Buffing Speed

[Sebastian Heck]

Hello Gents,
I've been reading up on buffing and am getting ready to re-build my buffing set-up. In order to avoid having to buy a VFD for my buffing motor, I want to use a pulley-and-belt system.
I will have all wheels lined up on one single axis. So all running at same speed.
My question is: Using all 8" buffing wheels, is a constant RPM of 1400 a good "speed" for all intents and purposes, from coarse to carnauba?
That should give me a little less than 50 ft/s if my math is right.

Thanks for your help!

[LatakiaLover]

Depends on what you are buffing and why.

I vary from 800 or so when lots of wrap-around is desired, to 3000+ when doing a final polish/shine on NYH ebonite.

[Sebastian Heck]

Yes, when buffing stems I thought the 2800 RPM were actually nice. But for initial steps I have founds myself "needing" a very slow speed.
So in other words, VFD is the way to go, if you're using just one motor?

[LatakiaLover]

Variable speed is the single most useful thing you can have in a shop when shaping and buffing are the task.

Here's a full discussion of the subject:

https://www.pipemakersforum.com/forum/v ... hp?t=11772

[Sebastian Heck]

Thanks (also for the link)! I also found your VFD set-up on some thread.
I am already using a VFD sanding disc on a 1.5 HP motor. But I am planning a dedicated buffing station where I can have 4 wheels set up permanently.