Buffer HP Recommendations

[Darryl Young]

I've read a horsepower recommendation for buffers from John Hall but now can't recall if he recommended 1/4HP or 1/3HP. I did some searches and it appears he uses a 1/3HP motor......but he has experience so I don't know if that is what he recommends for a newbie at buffing.

So which HP motor should I get? Does it matter if I'm using a loose belt?

Thanks!

[tippie53]

mine is 1/4 Hp 1725 this is all the power you need. The advantage is that you can be stronger than the motor so it won't throw the guitar

[Darryl Young]

That is the info I needed John, thanks! I found a 1/4 HP motor but wanted to make sure it was enough juice.

[tippie53]

ok you should be good

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Okay, I have a question for you electrician types out there, of which I am not.
I have a harbor freight buffer; 1/3 hp/3600 rpm motor. It is a quick start motor. I know that is too fast for buffing the guitar.
I have a router speed control. Is it safe to use the speed control with this type of motor to slow it down?
I know it will do it cause I've hooked it up, but I have not run it for any length of time. I have read that with certain types
of motors, you don't want to use a router speed control.

Kevin

[tippie53]

trust me , it won't work , you won't have enough power to spin the buffing pad

[Kevin Sjostrand]

John, does it lower the torque?

Kevin

[tippie53]

yes
you will find that a 1/4 hp 1725 will do well . The higher rpm will burn through fast and a speed control just doesn't work. I tried that and broke down and got the 1/4 hp . this works great in that you have all the power you need and you won't throw the guitar as long as you hold on to it. You can stop the wheel with your hand. I use 2 different wheels so I have 2 speeds ready , I have a 12 in and a 16 in

[Ken Hundley]

I tried the speed control as well, buncha crap. It will get the buffer going, but the minute you try to put it under load (like touch an instrument to it) it trips the motor. I am not even certain it works on a router, as it was designed too. It does work on a charcoal lighter-powered side bending pipe, though.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Really, because it is a reostat. Did you make one of those Ken?
Have you bent on it?

Kevin