Buffing station wanted in the UK.

[mawnansmiff]

Hello again folks, I have come to the conclusion that to achieve the results I want regards my pipe refurbishing adventures that a buffing setup is required. As is often the case in such matters of tools, materials etc. availability and costs are far better on the other side of the pond than to us :crying:
Can anyone please suggest a supplier of buffers here in the UK? I have searched the web but all I seem to find are converted grinders that run way too fast for buffing purposes. Better still would be a member who actually has one for sale :lol:
Supplies such as wheels, compounds etc. are not a problem.
Ever hopeful....
Regards,
Jay.

 

[onestrangeone]

I have had pretty good results with a variable speed drill press, I would guess these are readily available used in Europe and might be easier to find than a dedicated buffer.

Good Luck

 

[ssjones]

Go to your local Electric Motor repair shop. Tell them you want a 1725 rpm motor. In the US, these are very common for furnaces, etc. They are easy for shops to rebuild and will last a lifetime (or times) as a buffing motor. You just then need a pad arbor - Caswell here sells many options:

http://www.caswellplating.com/buffing-polishing/buffing-adapters.html
I just wired a simple on/off switch to mine with an appliance power lead found at a flea market. The shop could also put on a switch/power cord. This would be your most cost-effective method.
If you can get buffing supplies there, the arbor shouldn't be an issue.

 

[shotime]

I use a Baldor with 8 inch wheel best buffer out there

 

[kenbarnes]

I agree with 'onestrangeone'. The best type of motor is a Brooks Compton variator spindle motor (with a tapered spindle) with variable speeds from 0-2800rpm. I am pretty sure they do one in single phase. Hard-mopping (calico mop) using Cannings Lustre needs to be at 2800 rpm and final polishing (swansdown mop and fatty grey carnauba wax)at 1400 rpm. If you get one of these and the mops, I will come and visit you and bring some of my pipes to be 'cleaned up'!

 

[kenbarnes]

I think they may have one for sale at the James Upshall factory!!!

 

[ssjones]

yes, that's a shame, all that good equipment sitting in there getting dusty.
Note: I moved this to Repair & Maintenance.