Baldor Industrial Buffer — 3/4 HP

Category: Grinding & Finishing Tools (Metal Shop)

Overview

The Baldor industrial buffer is a high‑speed polishing machine used for finishing metal surfaces with cloth buffing wheels and polishing compounds. It is designed for surface refinement, shine polishing, rust removal, and final finishing of fabricated or machined parts. Unlike grinders, buffers use cloth wheels only and rely on polishing compounds rather than abrasive wheels.

This machine is powerful, fast, and capable of producing mirror finishes when used correctly.

Specifications

• Manufacturer:
  Baldor Electric Co.

• Type:
  Industrial Buffer

• Horsepower:
  3/4 HP

• Phase:
  1

• Voltage:
  115V

• Frequency:
  60 Hz

• Amps:
  7.8 / 7.4

• RPM:
  3600 / 1800 (dual‑speed motor)

• Spec No.:
  68‑0390‑0364

• Serial No.:
  X0505317194

• Stand:
  Baldor Buffer Stand, Part No. 8450‑18

Location

• Metal Shop
  — Mounted on the dedicated buffer stand near the finishing area.

Capabilities

• Polishing steel, stainless, aluminum, brass, copper

• Removing oxidation and light rust

• Bringing fabricated parts to a high shine

• Final finishing after grinding or sanding

• Cleaning weldments before coating

• Polishing jewelry or small precision parts (with correct wheels)

Buffing Wheels & Compounds

The machine supports:

Wheel Types

• Sewn cotton wheels

• Loose cotton wheels

• Spiral‑sewn wheels

• Specialty wheels (muslin, flannel, etc.)

Compound Types

• Emery (rough cut)

• Tripoli (intermediate cut)

• White rouge (fine polish)

• Stainless compounds

• Plastic‑safe compounds

The posted chart gives recommended combinations for:

• Steel & iron

• Stainless steel

• Soft metals (aluminum, brass, copper)

• Precious metals

• Plastics

This chart should remain posted near the machine.

Setup & Operation

1. Pre‑Use Inspection

• Ensure wheels are secure and not frayed excessively

• Confirm stand is stable and properly bolted

• Check that the buffer is grounded

• Verify no grinding or wire wheels are installed — cloth wheels only

2. Applying Compound

• Touch compound lightly to the wheel while it is spinning

• Reapply frequently — use more compound, not more force

• Do not overload the wheel; light application is best

3. Buffing Technique

• Hold workpiece firmly

• Keep hands at least 2 inches from the wheel

• Buff on the face of the wheel only

• Hold the workpiece slightly below centerline

• Approach the wheel gently — buffers can grab edges

• For irregular shapes, use pliers or a secure grip

4. Workpiece Control

• Always buff with the wheel rotating downward onto the part

• Never buff on the side or corner of the wheel

• If the part gets hot, let it cool — do not drop it

Safety Notes

• Eye protection required
  — safety glasses or face shield

• Respirator required
  — buffing produces fine particulate

• No gloves unless they are tight‑fitting (loose gloves can catch)

• Do not use grinding wheels or wire wheels on this machine

• Keep the area clear of flammables

• Buffers can grab and throw parts — maintain a secure grip

• Stand centered in front of the wheel, not off to the side

Cleanup & Maintenance

After Each Use

• Wipe down the stand and motor housing

• Clean compound dust from the area

• Remove stray cloth fibers

• Turn off and wait for wheels to stop fully

Periodic Maintenance

• Replace worn or frayed wheels

• Inspect motor wiring and switch

• Check stand bolts and floor anchors

• Lubricate bearings only if manufacturer specifies

• Keep compound bars clean and dry

Do Not

• Use grinding wheels or wire wheels

• Buff on the side or corner of the wheel

• Apply excessive pressure

• Operate without eye and respiratory protection

• Use the buffer if the stand is loose or unstable