Buffer

A. On/Off switch: turns buffing machine on and wheel begin to rotate
B. Motor
C. Buffing wheels: part of the machine on which material to be buffed is placed

What is a Buffer

Industrial Buffers are made to use with soft cloth buffing wheels and buffing compounds. They are used for buffing and polishing objects to various degrees of luster.

How is a Buffer Used?

A firm grip must be maintained on the object to be buffed, but minimal pressure should be applied from the object to the wheel. Slowly rotate the object for a more even buff.

Safety First

There are two distinct areas on a buffing wheel:

1. The Unsafe Area which is rotating toward the workpiece
2. The Safe Area which is rotating away from the workpiece

The division of these two areas is marked with dotted lines on the drawings. The workpiece must only be applied to the area of the buffing wheel that is rotating away from the workpiece and operator.

You should ensure that you are completely aware of which area is which, otherwise you could have a serious accident. Objects being thrown from a buffing wheel can travel at very high speeds, possibly causing severe injury or death. For this reason, the buffer is said to be one of the deadliest tools in a shop.

Parts having sharp corners, edges or hooks should be offered to the wheel with the edge flowing away from the buff so the part does not catch.

Operators are required to wear safety goggles. A leather apron is highly recommended as protection from thrown parts. Wear a dust mask to avoid inhaling buffing dust and particulates. The workpiece may get hot due to the buffing action, so gloves may be required — however, exercise special care because of the danger inherent in using gloves near rotating equipment.

Do not use the buffing wheel when bystanders are near, especially if they may be in the line of fire of a potentially thrown part.