Buffing Tips
Here are some quick tips for getting the most out of your buffer:
•Thoroughly clean all parts that you are plan- ning to buff. Any kind of dirt, oil, rust, paint or other film must be removed either chemically or sprayed off with water. Make sure to dry off parts with a rag after cleaning.
•Apply buffing compounds in small amounts at a time. While the machine is running, press the compound on the wheel for a couple of seconds. Avoid using too much compound.
•Put your workpiece under the wheel when you are loading the compound on the buffing wheel. This way, you will catch any com- pound that would normally be wasted on the floor.
•Only use the area
Front
Make
Contact
Here
Figure 4. Illustrated from a side profile, shows the only portion of the wheel that should be used during buffing.
•Hold the workpiece tightly at all times while buffing. One hand near the contact point will give you better control.
•Keep buffing wheels raked out before each use and when buildup gets heavy during use. “Raking” means to clean the buffing wheels with a wheel rake to remove buildup com- pounds and metal particles. An old rough-cut saw blade or a large hacksaw blade will also work as an alternative to a wheel rake. ALWAYS use light pressure when raking wheels!
•Do not mix two different compounds on the same wheel. For best results, use a separate wheel for each compound.
•Use an upward stroke with heavy to moder- ate pressure for cutting. Use a downward stroke with light to pressure for polishing. See
Figure 5.
Downward |
to Polish |
Upward |
to Cut |
Figure 5. Cutting and Polishing strokes.
•Wear safety equipment when buffing. If the buffer forces the workpiece out of your hand, be prepared for it to come flying at you! Wear safety glasses and a heavy leather apron. Also, wear a dust mask to protect your lungs from microscopic particulate that will be flying off the wheel.
Remember, there is no substitute for experience. Learning how to hold the workpiece, how much pressure to apply, how to move the workpiece against the wheel and how much compound to use will require some trial-and-error.
H4380 Buffer |
