avengers63 Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 This afternoon, I bought a Ryobi 6" random-obiting buffer with a 4800 OPM rate. I want to buff my finishes to a mirror sheen with some Meguiars swirl remover, but I've never used a power buffer before. Any suggestions? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpcrash Posted July 11, 2008 Report Share Posted July 11, 2008 Hmm... I use a 10", but principles should be the same. I always start with the terry cloth bonnet, damp and Mequiar's or 3M. Only caution - if it isn't all the way the cured, the heat will build up and dent like hell (ask me how I know ). Once I am satisfied that I see no swirls or lines from sanding, switch to Meguiar's #7 glaze with the polishing bonnet. Again, watch the heat, but be firm. I tend to keep a spray bottle of clean h20 nearby as if this stuff starts to dry to quickly, it may produce undesirable results. A little mist everynow and then lets you preview the finish while buffing. Sometimes, usually dark colors, I'll hit with just a thin layer of Meguiar's Gold Class Wax - VERY SPARINGLY. Not necessary, but seems to provide just a little something on the darks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted July 13, 2008 Report Share Posted July 13, 2008 This afternoon, I bought a Ryobi 6" random-obiting buffer with a 4800 OPM rate. I want to buff my finishes to a mirror sheen with some Meguiars swirl remover, but I've never used a power buffer before. Any suggestions? 4800 RPM (what's OPM?) seems to me like its on the fast side. I buff at a much lower speed... like 600 RPM. AT 4800, it'll just melt the finish. Actually, even a standard AC motor that runs at 1725 RPM is way too fast. Your buffer was probably meant for metal or something like that. Do a quick test on scrap and you'll see what I mean. 4800 will dig into the finish and/or melt it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mammoth guitars Posted July 13, 2008 Report Share Posted July 13, 2008 [4800 RPM (what's OPM?) seems to me like its on the fast side. I buff at a much lower speed... like 600 RPM. AT 4800, it'll just melt the finish. Actually, even a standard AC motor that runs at 1725 RPM is way too fast. Your buffer was probably meant for metal or something like that. Do a quick test on scrap and you'll see what I mean. 4800 will dig into the finish and/or melt it. OPM = Orbits per minute. This is how the buffer's speed spec is stated and according to the Ryobi site 4800 orbits per minute is correct. http://www.ryobitools.com/products The orbits are the tiny circular movements it makes much like a random orbital sander. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted July 13, 2008 Report Share Posted July 13, 2008 [4800 RPM (what's OPM?) seems to me like its on the fast side. I buff at a much lower speed... like 600 RPM. AT 4800, it'll just melt the finish. Actually, even a standard AC motor that runs at 1725 RPM is way too fast. Your buffer was probably meant for metal or something like that. Do a quick test on scrap and you'll see what I mean. 4800 will dig into the finish and/or melt it. OPM = Orbits per minute. This is how the buffer's speed spec is stated and according to the Ryobi site 4800 orbits per minute is correct. http://www.ryobitools.com/products The orbits are the tiny circular movements it makes much like a random orbital sander. I just saw one of these things. I didn't realize it was a small hand held device. Personally, I'd just get a real buffer ( a motor, 2 pulleys, a belt and a couple of buffs). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
avengers63 Posted July 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 14, 2008 I have no idea what a "real" buffer setup would be, but for someone working on a budget, $20 can't be beat. The 10" model was $25, but I don't need one that big. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapbarstrat Posted July 15, 2008 Report Share Posted July 15, 2008 I've seen pros use an orbital sander with a buff pad on it. Supposedly the best way to go around F-holes on a thin top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
guitar2005 Posted July 16, 2008 Report Share Posted July 16, 2008 I've seen pros use an orbital sander with a buff pad on it. Supposedly the best way to go around F-holes on a thin top. I've never used one. Would they be good for doing the inside curve on an Ibanez RG style body? I always do those by hand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soapbarstrat Posted July 16, 2008 Report Share Posted July 16, 2008 No, they're still too big for that. If you want to power buff tight curves like that, you have to use one of those mini buff wheels that have a shaft for chucking into a drill. Have not done the orbital buffer thing myself. Anyone know if you can use one of those speed control boxes (typically used for routers) to slow down an orbital sander ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kpcrash Posted July 16, 2008 Report Share Posted July 16, 2008 Haven't tried to slow one down... I do have a flannel buffing wheel (3") on my drill though for hitting the horns. I still sand them down by hand, but it sure makes polishing them tons easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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