What do you mount a standing floor buffer to?

[y2kgtp]

Obviously a stand, but do you bolt the buffer stand to the floor? I want to be able to move this around the garage, if needed.

Bolt it to a thick board you stand on while working on it? I was thinking of making a mount out of 2x4's so it sits under my workbench, and I could swing it up and lock it when needed, then swing it back down when done........

[chromo]

You'll need to build it solid of course but I like that idea of swing it down and under the work bench when not in use.

For those manual portable tire changers like HF sells I have seen people weld or bolt them to a heavy plate steel base. It's heavy to move but stable and does not tip over in use and is still portable.
Same thing should work for a grinder or buffer.

I have not tried it yet myself but I have thought of using a large truck rim like a 16" from a 1 ton truck for a base, those deep dish types like for the rear duals.
Also I find heavy steel semi wheels at scrapyards at times and pretty sure one of those would make a nice base.
Those wheels do work great as a base for some things, like an anvil on a stand, I just have not tried a buffer or grinder type setup yet.

[CarWiz]

It's better if you have a sturdy and fixed mount but where ever you decide to put it, allow for "clean up" and a "landing zone". You'll get lots of dust and fuzz in the area. Most of the polishes have silica abrasives so the dust (as is the metal dust) is bad for your lungs. Wear a mask and eye protection.

Oh, the landing zone? A place for the part to go when it gets away from you. Ricochets can be fatal. A small part may be traveling the speed of a bullet. I where mechanic's gloves when polishing. After having a radiator shell get ripped out of hands once, I was glad I had the gloves. It sliced the finger tips off the gloves. Besides that, the parts get hot.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by y2kgtp

Obviously a stand, but do you bolt the buffer stand to the floor? I want to be able to move this around the garage, if needed.

Bolt it to a thick board you stand on while working on it? I was thinking of making a mount out of 2x4's so it sits under my workbench, and I could swing it up and lock it when needed, then swing it back down when done........

I also like the swing-away idea, but then you're not going to move it around the garage as you state.

I'd suggest a truck or car rim too, but you might need to add a little concrete or other weight. You'll be putting a lot of pressure on the wheel sometimes, and even a three-foot pedestal might be enough leverage to allow you to lift the base off the floor. If you like to mess with concrete, just pour an old tire full and set your anchor bolts (with hooks embedded) in the fresh mud.

As I just posted in another thread, if you can manage to suspend the machine from the ceiling you'll have a lot more room to work on larger pieces. If your space is limited, that arrangement could be made swing out of the way on a cantilevered arm.

[jrow]

y2kgtp,

I've got mine mounted on a 24" by 24" piece or 1/2" plywood. Run some carriage bolts up through the bottom, bolt it down and your good to go. You can put your feet on it when you buff, that way it won't walk away from you. Move it where you want!

John

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by jrow

y2kgtp,

I've got mine mounted on a 24" by 24" piece or 1/2" plywood. Run some carriage bolts up through the bottom, bolt it down and your good to go. You can put your feet on it when you buff, that way it won't walk away from you. Move it where you want!

John

There you go, good idea. Come to think of it, the truck rim might be a good place to trip and end up with a faceful of spinning cotton fury, lol. 'Course the very best way is to bolt it to the floor if you're going upright...

[y2kgtp]

Originally Posted by jrow

y2kgtp,

I've got mine mounted on a 24" by 24" piece or 1/2" plywood. Run some carriage bolts up through the bottom, bolt it down and your good to go. You can put your feet on it when you buff, that way it won't walk away from you. Move it where you want!

John

This is what I was thinking of doing

[jrow]

y2kgtp,

Let us know how you make out!!

John

[y2kgtp]

Originally Posted by jrow

y2kgtp,

Let us know how you make out!!

John

Will do....I'm leaning toward a 30$ stand from Menard's (local pickup) with a 1/5hp buffer from Sears.

[mpierich]

Originally Posted by y2kgtp

Will do....I'm leaning toward a 30$ stand from Menard's (local pickup) with a 1/5hp buffer from Sears.

Did you say 1/5 hp? Hmmm...hope you're not disappointed with the torque.