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I am in the market to add a buffer to my shop. I have been eye ballin' the StewMac buffer kit but at $650, lookin' is all I am doing right now. I found a used Jet JSB-10L 1ph, 1725 rpm buffer in excellent condition for $200. MUCH better price!!! My question is, how will the 1725 RPM work for buffing guitars? I have not used a buffer before so have no idea what is ideal. Everything I have done to date has been done by hand or with my RO sander and micromesh. Will this speed generate too much heat with a 12" buff? If I did the math correctly, the StewMac at 750 RPM with a 14" buff has a speed of 62.5 MPH. The Jet at 1725 rpm with a 12" buff will have a speed of 123.2 MPH.

Thanks,
Carl.

I use a 400 and 700 rpm buffer. I use a shop fox buffing arbor with a 1/4 hp motor. I use a 12 and 16 inch buffing wheel. Can make this for about $250 or less.
http://www.grizzly.com/products/Buffing-Assembly/H3559

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I have been using the Shop fox but I do use an oversize 16 inch buffing wheel. After 5 years I haven't had a problem and have plenty of room for buffing but I agree the longer shaft is nice.
You have to be aware of the clearance of the guitar body as you work on a buffer so you don't bump into things. That is why I used the over sized wheels . Also you don't need a lot of power . I use a 1/4 hp 1725 motor and it is set so that I can stop the wheel by hand. This is a buffer not a grinder. Also think about padding the floor in case you throw one. It isn't a good thing to happen.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

I thought I was the only one that did that. I have my belt set so it slips too. I find there's no other way to get into tight spots without ripping right through the lacquer.

It's also nice that it lets me know when I'm pushing too hard. Just a light touch is really all it takes.

I happen to have the previous version of the SM buffer...I just picked it up a few months ago. The new version is probably even nicer. I have to admit that it's expensive, but I don't think it's overpriced. The entire system is very nice. I just ordered more buffs for it. I have a dedicated coarse compound buff for metal. It's basically black now so I can't use it for anything else. I LOVE polishing nuts with the fine compound. It's so much quicker than buffing it by hand.

I use the same ShopFox John H is talking about. With 14" wheels. I would like to find the 16" wheels, but no luck so far. I get mine from Casewell. They last forever. I bet I have $250 in my buffer. I found an excellent 1750 rpm, 1/3 hp motor on ebay (I think). Loose fit belt. I believe I use the Canton Flannel wheels. Two on each side. I can stop the thing with my hand. RPMS are about 800. Snagging the guitar and it getting tossed is always a risk, but not a huge risk with a setup like this. Take your HP & RPMs up, and it becomes way more likely. I have yet to get a snag that even remotely worried me.

Mike (hoping John H will reveal his source for 16" wheels!)

I found them at Grizzly on the

http://www.grizzly.com/search/search.as ... 1091033430

you may need to make a bushing 3/4 inch schedule 40 pipe worked for me.

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John Hall
blues creek guitars
Authorized CF Martin Repair
Co President of ASIA
You Don't know what you don't know until you know it

After looking at the Shop Fox and Grizzly ones, I bit the bullet and bought the previous generation SM buffer ( they just announced a new one in the last month or so). It was the biggest single tool expense I've had in years, but I have no regrets. I did junk their belt and put on a link belt. Much smoother.

Pat

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com

Thanks for all the input. Think I am going to continue saving my pennies and get the SM version.

I use a Caswell buffer.
http://www.caswellplating.com/buffing-polishing/buffing-machines/3-4-hp-buffing-machine-1100-rpm-machine-only.html

No belts or external motors to deal with, and cost alot less than the SM deal. I don't tighten the buffs super tight so they'll slip if it grabs the guitar.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/