Guitar Buffer DIY, well almost...

This buffer is built with clearance from the support structure and power in mind.

If you have access to a metal lathe and vertical mill you can do it yourself.

Otherwise save the trouble and buy it, no joke.

Here are the details:

• 1 ½ inch solid shaft, 5 feet 4 inches length
• 1/1/4 inch threaded arbor, R and L hand thread for ends
• 12 inch buffs, airway or concentric sewn
• 1 HP, 115 Volt TEFC motor @ 1725 RPM
• Pulleys, drive 2 inch, driven 4 inch
• Final RPM approx. 860
• Frame 2 inch tubular welded
• Motor has hinged mounting plate
• Belt is tensioned by gravity and motor weight
• Cost about $500

I had a vocational welding class student cut and weld the frame. An friend and machinist cut the shaft on school equipment in a couple of quick sessions. And I got the nuts, buffs, and flanges from  www.swmetal.com .  I enjoyed the process of getting this machine built. You might consider a stock system available from a supplier. Here is a link to them:  http://www.parmadiversified.com/buffer.html  You’ll still have to build the frame and provide the motor and switching. I’ve found Ebay to be a great source of electrical motors, one third the price sometimes including the shipping.

One last item. My unit is a floor model. A unit suspended from the ceiling would make sense. Folks buffing guitars seem to fear banging guitar bodies against the upright supports. By suspending the unit, the supports would be above the lower quadrant used in buffing. That’s my 2 cents on buffing, mine turned out well, I will install a belt guard, switch, and compound holding tray before considering it complete. I had originally intended to bolt the unit to the floor, but opted for rubber pads glued to base with 3M Yellow Weatherstrip adhesive.  Old Soap Box Derby brake pads make good rubber feet <bg>.

Bruce Dickey