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I've decided I can't go on without a buffing machine like the SM one I once owned. I don't really want to spend that much money so I want to build my own.

I need a 1x36 shaft/arbor. What is the thread kength? Once I have that, I can build it easily.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

After thinking more, instead of threads, I'm going to try stop collars. I think I can squeeze them together tight enough for buffing. A little slippage never hurts anyway.

Next thing I need to figure out is how to reduce a standard motor to run slow enough. I have a motor and don't want to purchase a slow speed one. I wonder how big the shaft wheel will need to be.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Hutch--

A Shop Fox buffing arbor costs roughly $140 USD, shipping included:

https://www.grizzly.com/products/shop-f ... 5MQAvD_BwE

Not the same as the StewMac version, I know, but I think it is a lot better than trying to build one yourself. Just my opinion.

A benefit of the Shop Fox model is that it has a stepped pulley, so you can change the RPM.

How about a go kart axle like this, https://www.amazon.com/GoPowerSports-Ax ... 87&sr=8-26

Yup, I ordered the SM buffer minus the motor.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Hutch I'm late to the dance but OLFer Bruce Dickey RIP built and documented here on the forum one of the nicest buffers I have ever seen. It had a long shaft so you were nice and far from the center support and motor. Maybe do a search on Bruce's name if interested?

Also the motor size is critical on a buffer and since a buffer can grab and throw a guitar you really want a motor small enough not what we usually go for which is big enough you want a motor small enough that if you really dig in with the buffer you can stop the motor.

If I remember correctly no faster than 1,100 RPM too to help avoid burning through the finish.

A really good guy to talk about all things buffers is my friend OLFer Joe White he'a s professional finisher and really knows his stuff.

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Ann Arbor Guitars

It's the pully size (sizes) that reduce the motor speed.
This is the best tool I've ever found for that, it will even calculate your belt length, which you will nedd if you are building custom:
https://www.blocklayer.com/pulley-belteng

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Measure Twice,

Karl Borum

So you may have noticed that I went ahead and bought the motorless SM buffer. I have a 1/3 hp 1700 rpm motor I can take off a tool I don't use. I can't remember but I think I used a 1/3 hp when I last had this buffer. I'm not sure. I'm going to try it before buying a new or used one.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

1/3 HP should be great.

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Ann Arbor Guitars

I have the same motor, just because I already had it. I think the weaker motor may haved saved me from a burn through or two. I'd looked at the Shop Fox one, but glad I got the SM one for the shaft length since I switched to classicals built the Spanish method with the neck and body integrated. It sits on a sled that swings down from the ceiling so I'm not taking a hit on floor space except when it's in use.

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