Summary for safe buffer rpms Discussion
Safe buffer RPMs for polishing aluminum is the core question here: Mike asks what speed is best for an 8-inch bench-top buffing wheel on a flat aluminum sheet, and Allan Shapiro asks how fast a buffer can run before it burns the metal. The excerpt does not include a technical answer or a specific RPM recommendation, so the thread mainly establishes the practical concern: choosing a buffer that can work quickly without overheating or damaging aluminum. Because no responder’s guidance is shown in the excerpt, there is no consensus speed to report. The safest takeaway from the page as provided is that the user wants a fast but controlled setup, and the exact RPM limit is not stated in the visible discussion.
Q. What RPM on a bench top polisher with an 8in buffing wheel is best for a flat sheet of aluminum
Mike
hobbyist – Belvidere, IL
December 21, 2024
This is a meeting place for camaraderie & sharing, not a free consultancy. So some readers don’t engage with anonymous posters.
Multiple threads merged: please forgive chronology errors and repetition 🙂
Q. I would like to know many RPMs a buffer can go before it burns the aluminum. I’m looking to get a good/fast buffer and want to make sure I get one that will do the job quickly without damaging the aluminum.
Allan Shapiro
Metal Polisher – Fairborn, Ohio
July 14, 2009
 | A. It depends on the diameter of the buffing wheel. 6000 surface per minute is about the maximum, or roughly 2000 rpm for a 12″ diameter wheel.
A. The diameter of your buffing wheel will determine the surface speed of the buff. In my experience I prefer a shaft speed of about 1600 rpm. The faster turning machines make your work a little more tricky (dangerous) and the polishing compounds fly off the faster turning buffs. Frank DeGuire |
Q. What max rpm for buffing aluminum with a 2″ dia pad and a 3″ dia pad? These size pads and light weight buffers are great for tight places on aircraft without wearing your shoulders out. Thanks.
Gabe fernandez
– Edmonds, Washington USA
November 16, 2019