Bench Grinder to Buffer Conversion

This is a small-footprint, low(ish)-cost buffing setup I use for buffing keys and instruments in my small woodwind repair shop, Walter's Woodwind Shop (my middle and grandfather's name is Walter).
I used the method from this video ( • How to Balance a Surfa... ) to balance my wheel. I'll probably make a separate video about how I specifically did it because I didn't have a wheel balancing jig with movable weights. But I did have a wooden dowel, some duct tape, a scale, and some JB Weld, so stay tuned!
#musicalinstruments #instrumentrepair
Products used in this video (not sponsored, I get no affiliate commission or anything like that, although Harbor Freight, I will be your spokesman!):
Harbor Freight Universal Bench Grinder Stand: www.harborfreight.com/univers...
Harbor Freight 8 in. Variable-Speed Bench Grinder with LED Work Light: www.harborfreight.com/8-in-va...
Could also work with this one: www.menards.com/main/tools/po...
Harbor Freight 3" C Clamp:
www.harborfreight.com/3-inch-...
"Beware of Dog" sign:
www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-...
3" Flexible Roof Vent Pipe Flashing:
www.menards.com/main/building...
4" x 10" x 6" Straight Boot Duct Fitting:
www.menards.com/main/heating-...
5HP Shop Vac:
www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-4-...
Acrylic sheet I got from Ace Hardware. They had a small scrap that I got for only a couple of bucks.
5/8" Motor Arbor to 1/2" Threaded Shaft Adapter:
a.co/d/05MYiovm
1/2" to 5/8" Bushing Adapter:
a.co/d/0iJuiMrM (I also was able to find just the one I needed at Ace Hardware in their Aisle O' Fastener Drawers)
Tapered Spindle Adapter:
a.co/d/06v6fqze
8" Stitched Cotton Buffing Wheel:
a.co/d/0g5iNYUr
White Buffing Compound:
a.co/d/08HgUy1s
8" Loose Cotton Buffing Wheel:
a.co/d/0c0h4myX
Red Rouge Buffing Compound:
a.co/d/0fBeCNCu
Buffing Wheel Rake:
a.co/d/0h9bV0IQ

[@tveaux1]

I love the plants and the window being in view while you’re buffing. And the amount of natural light you’re getting in general! Great respite from the chaos of the bench (in general. That’s not commentary on how organized or messy your bench is lol) I’m pretty surprised you’re buffing silver plate with Red; it got drilled into us pretty hard at Red Wing to never buff silver plated keys or instruments because of how easily the soft thin plating buffs away. Hopefully you’re being gentle with it! Blue Hubble on a soft wheel could be a safer yet costly choice; that stuff is seriously awesome and worth the absurd price tag.

[@bgclarinet]

True, I should emphasize that I usually use an acidified thiourea solution (like Tarn-X or Empire's), rinse with water, wipe down with a cloth, and usually do some polishing by hand. If I am needing speed or a little bit more aggressiveness, I might use the buffing wheel with red rouge, but I'll be very gentle and let the compound do the work (not pressure). If I need to use extra buffing or elbow grease, I always tell the player that there is a chance some bare copper will show through. I do use the BH on a 6" loose cotton wheel (smaller circumference=less distance per rotation=slower surface speed at the edges...).

[@tveaux1]

Sounds perfect to me. Thanks for that bit of clarification!