Just built a buffer

Motor from Menard's, axle from Northern tool, pulleys and pillow blocks from Axman surplus, belt off a Volvo 240, stand from Harbor Freight, buffing wheels from Stew Mac.

 

Do you plan to bolt it to the floor?

 

Looks cool man! May I ask what RPM the axle is running at?

 

I have to do something, because it wants to waltz around.

 

Around 1700.

 

What would you say your total cost is on it?

 

About 175 bucks including the 2 buffer wheels

 

That axle, is that just a steel rod? It looks like it's threaded on one end. Did you cut those threads yourself? Sorry, it's hard to tell with the size of the photo...

 

It's a go-cart axle from Northern tool. Comes threaded and with keyways.

 

Thanks!

 

What HP is the motor? Does it provide enough power to put any pressure on the wheels without slowing down? I need to make one of these - nice job!

 

You can probably find a 1/3-1/2hp motor on Craigslist for not a lot of money. That's what I use (1/3hp, an old GE motor that was made to run gas pumps), paid $45 for it.

 

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...nders/performax-6-buffer/p-2010530-c-9075.htm

"Powerful 3/4 HP, 4.8 amp. motor operates at 3450 RPM"

4.8A x 120V = 576W

576W is roughly equal to 0.77HP, so there you go. About 3/4HP.

Looks like he cut that RPM to ~1725 by using a 1:2 pulley ratio.

 

There it is! That's my next project, (or second to next).
Great job! Nice distance and clearance around the wheels. That's usually one of the 2 problems with off the shelf buffers. Size and too small a motor.