Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
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Post by Steve on Sept 13, 2010 16:29:57 GMT -5
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Sept 13, 2010 17:57:14 GMT -5
12"...400-900 rpm's.
I had one that ran at 3000 rpm's but it just scared the begeebers out of me ;D.
Dr Joe
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 13, 2010 22:08:13 GMT -5
I run the one on my grinder at grinder speed, 1750 rpms. You probably already know this, but you'll get a variety of speeds depending on where you put the stone in relation to the center (slower towards the center, faster towards the edge). High Plains Drifter or Stoner (can't remember which) marks his where he gets the best polishing.
Chuck
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Sept 14, 2010 7:52:37 GMT -5
"I run the one on my grinder at grinder speed, 1750 rpms." Is that a 12" or 6" buffer Hard Rock Cafe?
I run a 6" pad on the end of my cabber @ 1750 too.
Dr Joe
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Steve
has rocks in the head
Member since June 2005
Posts: 506
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Post by Steve on Sept 14, 2010 11:00:08 GMT -5
Many thanks. So anything from a 1:2 to a 1:4 pulley ratio on a std 1750 motor should work - a project for next summer. I know lapidary is a hobby for those with patience, but I'm losing patience with the vibrating flat lap.
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Post by Hard Rock Cafe on Sept 14, 2010 11:21:16 GMT -5
I should have specified Dr. Joe: 8 inches (for my buffer).
Chuck
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Post by docone31 on Sept 14, 2010 13:40:14 GMT -5
I like to run my buffers at full speed. I like it when the wheel is hard. I have one that cranks at 4500. My larger wheel runs much slower and I cannot planish with it.
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Post by bobby1 on Sept 14, 2010 15:44:42 GMT -5
I have a 12" home made carpet covered wheel. I run it at about 450 rpm and I can do a pretty good job of polishing my cabs. By having it run this slow it doesn't dry out quickly (requiring me to rewet about every 7 to 10 minutes) and it doesn't sling all the polish off the wheel. I also like the soft "give" in the wheel. The carpet fibers retain the moisture and polish compound much better that a leather wheel. Bob
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Post by bobby1 on Sept 14, 2010 18:13:06 GMT -5
I have a correction. I just measured the pulleys and the speed is actually 383 rpm. Bob
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rockdewd
has rocks in the head
Member since October 2007
Posts: 605
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Post by rockdewd on Sept 20, 2010 14:29:01 GMT -5
I use a variety of wheel sizes on my buffer. My buffer runs at 3600 RPMs. The larger the wheel the faster the surface of the wheel (inches per second) is even at the same RPM.
For heavy silver polishing I use a 5 inch chamois wheel but have to keep a strong hold on the piece but fire scale disappears at that speed as long as your fingers don't start on fire from the friction. For my SO's filigree work I use 3 inch wheels. For general polishing of Turquoise and Lapis I use a 4" muslin wheel with zam.
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