Buffer

[avengers63]

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?

[kpcrash]

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.

[guitar2005]

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.

[mammoth guitars]

[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.

[guitar2005]

[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).

[avengers63]

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.

[soapbarstrat]

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.

[guitar2005]

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.

[soapbarstrat]

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 ?

[kpcrash]

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.