Polishing Wheels for A bench Motor

[Candidquality]

I finally had the chance to pull the covers off the grinding/polishing wheels and see what it is we use here at work. It's a 8S ESL deburr and finishing wheel from 3M. We have both the medium and fine.
If you've never had a chance to use a bench grinder with a polishing wheel, these things are amazing. Their cost is about $60 each for a 6"x1" wheel, but I have to say it's more than worth it. I think it would be great for anyone who knows the polishing process as these can be much more aggressive than anything done by hand still, but it's not a bad place to start learning either.

I just thought i'd mention it in passing as I'm planning on buying a Baldor motor and a couple of wheels at Christmas time. If anyone happens to decide to get one to try, let me know what you think. It's almost better than sliced bread.

[ApprenticeMan]

I have to heartily agree, I have an HF 8 inch wheel buffer/polisher wheel, AND I LOVE THAT THING! It is dangerous as all get out, but when something needs polishing, it takes it to the limit!

[Digr]

What kind of grit is used?

[imagedude]

I like large flap wheels:


I use 8" wire brushes when I'm feeling brave:

[RainsFire]

Whats the danger behind polishing? I find that there is never a reason to go directly against an edge, which is ultimately the only thing that can catch on a blade and send it into your boot or through your hand. If you are always polishing with the bevel or any abrupt edge facing away from the wheel, what can go wrong?

I need to get a good polishing setup.. doing it by hand is...enlightening and all, but a quick buff for a christmass blade would be nice.

[eburgblue]

If all of your polishing is easy to get at. If there is any intricacy to the piece you run the risk of catching a too close edge.

[Badger1875]

Originally Posted by eburgblue

If all of your polishing is easy to get at. If there is any intricacy to the piece you run the risk of catching a too close edge.

I know exactly what you are talking about! It happened to me about 3 1/2 years ago:
Was in the shop and had to polish an old carbon steel blade, cause that time I didn´t really like the greyish patina.... It came as it had to come. The edge got caught by the polishing wheel (2" wide canvas and a diameter of 16", driven by a 4 hp e-mot!), went one time around and smacked my left index finger right at the first joint and cut straight through. The finger just hung at the top sinew and a little skin. Went to the emergency, they sewed it in a 2 1/2 hour microscopic operation together. I have the funktion back but still some feeling is missing.
From that day on and till today, also for the future, I use(d) cotton gloves covered with chain gloves and over all a leather glove for the grip. To protect my chest and other front bodyparts I wear a chain apron and never had problems again.....

If you use a polishing wheel, take care, believe me, I know what I´m talking about....

Since that time I like the patina of old or "in use" blades and if I want apolished blade i do it most likeley by hand, using the japanese method with stones and finally with a diamond paste. It takes longer, sure, but is more healthier



Badger

[ThomasPowers]

You might take a look at the safety demos over at anvilfire's i-forge section. Pics of what a wirebrush and a hook being cleaned up did to a fellow.

Powered wirebrushes and buffers stay awake all night trying to figure out ways to maim you! You have got to be on your toes using them!

[steve sells]

This is one thing Thomas and I agree on 100% the buffing wheel/bench grinder is determined to get us if we don't watch out.

They are the single most dangerous machine in our shops. Use only with total concentration, and care. Any one that does not agree, has been very lucky so far.

respect all power tools, as One of my teachers told me, Tools can injure, power tools can maim, and fast.

[ornametalsmith]

the only thing I didn't see mentioned.
Stay away from a "leading edge of any piece" only work a "trailing edge". Any "leading edge" can still be worked and become a trailing edge by turning the piece around.
And the only place on the wheel that you should work is the lower front quadrant. IF your looking at the wheel from the side, imagine the wheel divided into four quadrants. The center line......could be considered the horizon......stay below the horizon, in that lower front quadrant.
Many times folks get into trouble by not paying attention and "wandering" up above the horizon line....and as they put more force on the piece.........it tends to get grabbed and the force is increased at the horizon line...that's usually when it gets Ripped out of your hand.
be careful out there. I've heard it said, "it's a poor craftsman, that blames his tools".