Woodturning Tool Review: Beall Buffing System
by Alan Stratton on Thursday, September 3rd, 2015 | 4 Comments
Video may also be viewed on YouTube.
In this video, I review my experience with the Beall Buffing System to help you avoid my purchasing mistake.
I like the results but feel my initial configuration was a mistake.
Here’s what I would recommend:
- Hold Fast Long Buffing Adapter – ~$31.50
- Beall 4″ Bowl Buff 3 Piece Set – ~$36.50
- Beall 8″ Buffing Wheel Tripoli – ~$16.75
- Beall 8″ Buffing Wheel White Diamond – ~$16.75
- Beall 8″ Buffing Wheel Wax – ~$16.75
- Beall Buffing Compound Tripoli – ~$5.50
- Beall Buffing Compound White Diamond – ~$5.75
- Beall Buffing Compound Carnauba Wax = ~$6.75
Here’s what I purchased and what you see in my videos:
- Beall Three Buff System – ~$94.50 (Inlcudes buffing compounds)
- Hold Fast Long Buffing Adapter – ~$31.50
- Beall 4″ Bowl Buff 3 Piece Set – ~$36.50
I purchased from Craft Supplies USA
Please be careful about a mandrel. Some are for a stand alone electric motor. A Morse taper mandrel requires tail stock support which limits motion. This is why I selected the Holdfast Long buffing adapter. It threads to my spindle and is secure without tailstock support.
Please wear a full face shield and dust mask.
Keep wood turning – As Wood Turns
I was given a second grinder which I turned into a buffing grinder by making special mandrels: threaded ends on one end, and a threaded cone on the other. This is also very versatile as you can purchase the buffing wheels that jewelers use with a simple hole in the center. You then just twist what ever wheel you want onto the threaded cone. Since a grinder has two sides there is less switching of the wheels. Easy on and off.
I’ve seen an adapter such as you describe to mount a buffing wheel to a lathe. But I’ve never found one commercially available.
Could you send a picture of yours?
Alan Stratton
The same mandrel system is available from Penn Industries for significantly less.
My previous system was the wheels on a drill. The problem is the fastener that extends from the shaft to secure the wheel. Extreme care is required to keep that metal fitting from touching the work.
It pays to do some shopping. But my problem in general is comparing the specs to evaluate items.
Thanks for your info.
Alan