Bench Grinder vs. Bench Buffer

I have a bench grinder that turns at 3450 rpm. I need a bench buffer as well. What is the difference between the basic units? There seems to be a price gap between buffers and grinders.

Can I just mount buffing wheels on my grinder? I'd rather not add another tool, based upon the space that it would require. Plus, I would have to buy another stand.

I've seen some that have a grinder on one side and a buffer on the other. Don't know any more than that.

Buffer generaly have more torque so they don't stall as easy and the more important part they have longer arrbors so you don't bump the motor while trying to get in close. But yes you can use grinder as buffer or buffer as grinder. I use a two ended cheap ass buffer as both one side has buffing wheel the other a grinding stone.

So...buffer > grinder?

Woody wrote: So...buffer > grinder?

Based on my experience using my grinder as a buffer too, yes. The motor stalls out really easily when buffing with no issues with the stone or wire wheels.

I've never used a buffer but from what I hear they make a hell of a mess. It might be worth investing in a buffer which you can connect to a dust collector, but I don't know much about them.

I have a 1960s craftsman 1/2hp buffer I am doing a bit of refurbing on, I want to replace the wiring but it is a pain to split the motor case and it uses a weird flat capacitor.

I think you will find that most buffers turn at a lower rpm than a grinder, hi rpm will cause to much heat and cause discoulotation to what ever ou are trying to buff

Woody wrote: So...buffer > grinder?

Yes if majority of your work is buffing yes buffer is better then grinder you'll not have the steady rest in grinder mode if that of any concern.

I'm bringing this back from the dead.

Since I never bought one, but still need one, is there a specific size I should be looking for? Obviously, smaller = more RPM, but since I've never used a buffer before, I'm not sure what I need.

Here's a link to the Baldor website: http://www.baldor.com/products/grinders_buffers.asp If you compare their buffers and grinders you'll see nearly all of them run at 3600rpm.

The main difference is grinders have shields and tool rests, while they aren't needed on buffers. Also, a buffer generally has more clearance around the shaft so you can maneuver the object being buffed.

Bigger is most often better, depending on your budget, but I've done a ton of buffing on a little 1/4hp motor with an adapter to hold a 6" buffing wheel. It just takes longer.

You'll also need a selection of buffing wheels of differing types, along with a selection of buffing compounds. I think the Eastwood Company website has a section that discusses the different types of each and what they're used for.

or maybe try extensions for buffing w/ your motor

or build your own w/ a spare motor

I might try both of those ideas, as I have an extra (junk) grinder and an extra motor.

Thanks.

ive been using a harbor freight 8 inch buffer/grinder for at ;east a decade and 6 cars. works great after you throw away the supplied wheels and rouge.