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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET

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for Metal Finishing 1989-2025

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Safe Buffer RPMs for Polishing Aluminum
Q. What RPM on a bench top polisher with an 8in buffing wheel is best for a flat sheet of aluminum
Mikehobbyist - Belvidere, IL
December 21, 2024
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⇩ Related postings, oldest first ⇩
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 ShapiroMetal Polisher - Fairborn, Ohio
July 14, 2009
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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. ![]() Jeffrey Holmes, CEF Spartanburg, South Carolina 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. - St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
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
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