How-to & Buffing Basics Demonstration with Eastwood

The basics of buffing. What you need to know to get started polishing metal!
LINK TO BUY Buffing Kit: www.eastwood.com/eastwood-buff...
Eastwood Buffing Kit
Item #50341
17-Pc. Polishing Kit has everything you need to add a lustrous shine to automotive parts and more
Eastwood's deluxe polishing kit is designed to make your steel, stainless, aluminum and plastic automotive components shine brightly! Use your electric drill, cordless drill or pneumatic die grinder for easy, effective, polishing jobs-on or off the vehicle.
5 compounds (one 4-oz. tube each: brown Tripoli, gray stainless, white rouge, jeweler's rouge, blue plastic)
5 small felt bobs
2 mushroom buffs
2 large buffs (round, tapered)
3 wheels (2 spiral-sewn, 1 loose-sewn)
Eastwood 1/2 HP Buff Motor
Item #13542
High-quality 1/2-HP Buff Motor is the easily affordable unit rugged enough for everyday use
1/2-HP Buffer runs at 3450 rpm for buffing metal or plastics.
Extended length and balanced shafts offer more work space around wheel
Cast housing and base assure smooth operation, extended bearing life
Use with 6"-8"-dia. buffs (see "Accessories" tab)
Wheel Smoothing And Buffing Kit
Item #13107
Smoothing and Buffing Kit restores your wheels at a fraction of the cost of a professional refinisher
In your own garage, this Smoothing and Buffing Kit helps you make old, road-worn aluminum or mag wheels look like new. Or create a custom look!
8 buffs
5 compounds
Accessories and instructions
Eastwood1 HP Buff Kit
Item #14139
A quality, powerful buff Motor and complete Buff Set is the perfect way for an enthusiast to get started.
The full 1-HP buff motor offers the versatility of 2 speeds (1720/3450 RPM) and features generous 26-1/4" overall length to facilitate buffing large parts or the stacking of multiple buffs. Operates on 115VAC. Also includes a selection of:
Buff wheels
Compounds
Rake
See the Contents tab for a list of all the items included.
Economy Stand
Item #13162
The right Work Stand, at the right price...designed for your buff motor or grinder
Work at a more comfortable height, or save workbench space, when you mount your buff motor or grinder on this economy work stand.
30-1/2" working height
11" x 8-3/4" top mounting platform
Slotted to accept most motors
Ideal for the weekend resto enthusiast

[@fenniecheng1961]

*Good **MyBest.Tools** power and rpm control.*

[@stevesloan6775]

9 years later and this video is still awesome. Thank you so much for this upload. 🇦🇺🤜🏼🤛🏼😎🍀🍀🍀

[@Badman_359]

Thank you very much sir! Knowledge is eternal, watching this in 2024 🔥💯🙏🏾

[@mjremy2605]

What an excellent teacher and demo! Clear, exhaustive coverage, safety tips, and showed all the products. Appreciate no music as well. Thank you!

[@7863348]

I do a lot of buffing and I have to say this is one of the best videos on KZbin on the subject. Very accurate information and the guy is very well spoken. Thanks for taking the time to do it. Really enjoyed viewing it.

[@kamdenabdullah614]

Instablaster

[@verigone2677]

I was about to undertake a full hand polish of my new custom throttle body...then I remembers how much I like using my fingers, then found this vid. I probably shouldn't have stopped working with this stuff 25 years ago, I didn't realize just how far the wheels and compounds have come for metals

[@EvaMarieTBradley]

I was so inspired by this training. So much so that I found a local EASTWOOD by accident while out & about and visited that store TODAY! (Alsip, IL) I peeped in hoping I could see you (LOL)! Shout out to DAVE & VERN who were very helpful while I was shopping there. There was 1 other gentleman there however, did not get his name. Next time you visit the Chicagoland area, I told them to let me know, just so I can get to see Grease Lighting! (LOL)

[@stevemak8620]

I worked in a BMW shop in the 90's and was taught that the buffer/polisher/grinder tool suite was one of the 3 most dangerous tools in the shop due to project pieces becoming projectiles. Also, we were not allowed to wear gloves at the polisher as the tool could easily grab the glove and rip your hand off.

[@mattryan8026]

This is definitely one of the best videos I’ve seen for machine polishing/buffing. I’m get ready to switch to machine and only do really small stuff by hand but have done in by hand for over 20 years now. I want to actually see some of your finished pieces cause you certainly know what you’re talking about. Thanks for you’re time Sir. Much respect ✊🏻

[@slapballs]

I've been doing this type of work for 6 years with orthopedic instruments. This video is great! You really know your stuff dude!

[@Wally4President]

This guy is anabsolute professional. He knows what he's talking about. I've learnt a lot from him.

[@shinzomoon]

I've been polishing as a professional for 20 years and fair play to this guy he actually knows what he is talking about. So new folk, pay attention.

[@kougerat5388]

Great video I have done quite a lot of polishing on nuts bolts washers etc for a few motorbike restorations so yeah quite alot of show bolts to do ! I had a 2 foot piece of 12mm diameter round bar aluminium so I drilled and tapped each end of it, one with an 8mm thread the other with a 6mm thread, I also bevelled the edge at about 45 degrees so when you put a bolt in and tighten it you can still get to the bottom edge of the bolt with the buffing wheel. It is a little more time consuming but you can comfortably hold on to the bar and polish the bolt head with much less risk of the buffing wheel grabbing the bolt ! Here's another method I use it's the same as the above but I use a short length about 100mm. I put it in my cordless drill which has a speed control trigger, then screw in the bolt and you can spin the bolt as you polish adjusting the speed of the spin to what works best. I found this method very quick to swap over the bolts just using a spanner or allen key and spinning them in and out with the drill. You can get a super even finish this way.

[@tibork3845]

Thank you guys, I am just getting into buffing/restoration, this helps so much and probably will get your basic kit soon.

[@sunaJH]

One of the best instructional videos I have run across, thanks:)

[@SidecarBob]

Re buffing bolt heads: I just buffed a bunch of allen bolts by gripping a nut securely in a pair of vise grips and then screwing the bolts into the nut. Much more secure than gripping the bolt by the threads and no damage to the threads either!! Good video for beginners. I watched this, read a couple of web pages and then went out and buffed a pair of motorcycle fork legs so that they look better than chrome.

[@Rocknranchman]

Some really good tips about what "not" to do! And how to buff safely! Thanks for posting this information!

[@bennetaiken9849]

Great Job and Presentation! Never have been able to buff properly! Now I can! Thanks for the great video!

[@eastwoodco]

Glad to help!

[@Travisonring]

Thank you!! This is the best instructional video about buffing on youtube.

[@steve5825]

Best and most informative video on this subject, many thanks...I’m off to do some polishing now 👍

[@cliffordperanio9929]

In my youth I buffed 4 Kirby vacuums a week for about 10 years and you have done a great job showing how too

[@ianpritchard6375]

Outstanding presentation - really informative. Thanks!

[@Nivlong]

I appreciate the points on emphasis on safety for both equipment and technique, including an apology for forgetting the mask. It's also impressive is that the entire set was recorded live.

[@Jeffro115]

Thanks Matt - great vid!! Very helpful. Eastwood rocks!

[@bkrgls]

Glad that I watched this...now I know that I was applying to much compound. Thanks!

[@SunsetWingman]

This is a great video. Actually more than great. This video will forever be where I learned how to start buffing. Pretty cool

[@georgegleason7442]

Thanks for the very good video. I'm very new to this, trying to learn how to buff aluminum, it's sand cast and taking a lot of work.

[@rayrodriguez9676]

By far the best most helpful video iv seen ,, thanks

[@tannerthalman4261]

I learned a shit ton from this video.

[@justtisha]

Love love love this video. So great for any beginners like me!! So practical

[@johngatsios7234]

I use a 3-foot wide heavy paper (the kind a painter would use) to drape it down the wall behind the buffer, over the work bench under the buffer and down over the floor where I stand. It keeps the bench and floor clean.

[@jalocal4339]

thank you very much..you really did a good job and answered all the questions i had as far as getting me started ... Keep up the good work..

[@amyli1388]

we are sisal buff wheel ,cloth buff wheel manufacturer from China , if you need ,welcome to contact my email :[e-mail]

[@nirniro1]

Thank you for amazing introducing guide 🙏🏻

[@johnmccoy1887]

thanks this was greatly informative and I learned several ideas

[@NickHey]

Been looking for videos on how to polish and buff up some steel, specifically a bullbar. This video is great! Thank you!

[@tonylayfield8750]

Great presentation and explanations... well done.

[@singerray1]

Here's a tip:.You can also keep a can of "Never Dull" around. It's a cotton wadding and you can pinch off a little out of the the can and rub the metal to see if it has been clear coated. It too will turn black if it's copper or aluminum..

[@markwilliams8655]

Thanks, just what a lot of us having waiting to know, the basics to begin with, brilliant and thanks....

[@FanatikBuilds]

Wow, really helpful! Thanks Eastwood for the great video!

[@ronciciarelli3401]

Fanatik Builds .

[@mygt8a4re]

I'd just like to start by thanking Eastwood company for making this "basic" or "start up" video for those looking to getting into polishing! Now, to those adding what they think would be better or what the video left out, don't you think that in a more "intermediate" or beyond video, they would show the things you are claiming this guy didn't add? You cant show how to become a pro in one video but you can help those just starting out by adding some great basic information. This is an "intro" or " basic start" with helpful information to help "beginners", and they succeeded in that department. We will all look into your "professional" wisdom when we get to that point! I really hate how YT has become a bash fest.....

[@DavidSPyle1947]

Thanks! Truly informative and well presented.

[@Aetherling]

Excellent instructional video thank you.

[@harplingesven0100]

Thank you for a excellent lesson in buffing!

[@dougehmann7058]

Thanks. Good information. Well presented. Very helpful. Thanks!

[@iwaxmodels247]

will work good for jewelry castings also , Thanks dude!

[@leecherlarry]

great info, great speaker, thanks for the video!

[@brianmoorehouse]

brilliant informative video

[@metals2546]

Well done tutorial. Thank you for sharing.

[@albertaboy1139]

Thanks answered all my questions Rock them tats bro

[@ben_jammin242]

amazing video, thank you so much!!!

[@anthonylockwood9796]

Excellent, I also watched the video of the English wheel made using a large G clamp, 👍

[@kelobuilt]

Very informative great video. Im buying an Eastwood!

[@SolaFide802]

Good advice, especially keeping the area clear of anything you don't want to damage like your hobby car, wifes car etc...Murphys law Thank you

[@davidchapman2839]

Put a piece of low pile carpet under the buffer stand. Works like magic to keep the tool from walking around on you and handier than bolting it down.

[@MrDaniyuca]

Absolute great material very well put together all these contents cheers to that! Any video on Buffing small pieces like metal frames or jewelry ?

[@hardrock1826]

I have a table on locking wheels. And at each corner I have a buffing wheel. Actually on the one corner I have a wire wheel for cleaning off rust and grunge. In addition I have another buffer bolted down to a tool cabinet. It has those soft wafery type wheels at each end. I always seem to struggle with buffing tasks. It takes me a long time. And I somehow end up with an accumulation of black residue that builds up on my projects that I have to work hard at eliminating. I'm so glad I caught this awesome video on this subject. It really answered some questions for me. This gentleman is a really competent teacher. I would love to sit in on a workshop with him and get some hands on instruction. He explains things so well. I do have a question though. If you have a buffing wheel on? Does it make it better if you add a couple of more buffing wheels making your contact area bigger? Or does that create a safety concern? Thanks so much for this video. I'm viewing from Canada. All the Best.

[@clintonflynn3811]

Thank you, another great Eastwood video on the basics. I have purchased a number of Eastwood items and kits and have been pleased with all of them - especially the bench top zinc plating kit. Indispensable. I do have a negative comment, however, about the grinder/buffer. If it were properly balanced it likely would not move so much, if at all. I suspect that it is made in China; not that China couldn't make a balanced motor, but the stuff tends to be the classic tradeoff of price and quality. I recently purchased and returned a Dewallt bench grinder because of vibration issues - a common complaint according to the salesman and posts on the HAMB. I replaced it with a sixty year old Craftsman grinder purchased at an estate sale for $15. No walking whatsoever, rock solid.

[@craigfitchner9905]

I

[@nikmills]

Very helpful. I just came across a nice Baldor for cheap. I needed this kind of first steps training. Thanks! One thing tho - that buffer needs bolted to the floor, man.

[@craigwilson8255]

This is literally the most informative video I've found in months of research on the subject. Really appreciate it. I thought you would have shown a green chrome compound, but maybe that's similar to the red jeweler's rouge?

[@davidsteen4606]

In addition to separate storage of the wheels, I also use a sharpie to label the wheels as to which compounds they require, and I wrap some tape around the compound tube and label that also. I also find it helpful to slice the tube open so I can remove the compound stick. This allows me to save any pertinent info on the cardboard tube. YES, I'm VERY OCD. LOL So FAR, this has this has kept me from screwing up.

[@KSMike1]

I’ve got the Eastwood dual speed machine and love it, but I wish someone would publish some plans or make a product to catch the compound dust and wheel fibers that cover everything in a 10’ radius.

[@davo1863]

i have polished a rail road spike to a mirror finish... besides the right compound/rouge the process for polishing rough and rusted metal is start with a course sanding/grinding and gradually to a finer sanding. for example maybe 80 grit 120 220 300 400 600 800 1000 1200 2000 3000 etc etc etc you'll get a mirror finish. patients is the key.

[@vin605]

Very informative thx

[@MitchBogard]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@amyli1388]

we are sisal buff wheel ,cloth buff wheel manufacturer from China , if you need ,welcome to contact my email :[e-mail]

[@verigone2677]

Dremel/Rotary tools are your friend for the very little stuff. If you are working with lots of stuff 3" and smaller, look at the tools the Jeweler use but substitute these compounds in the processes

[@jongraham2329]

Great video

[@masonsolosabal6457]

Can you use polishing componds on powdercoated metals to increase luster? GREAT instructional video...thanks

[@declanlogan1239]

Hey man I had no idea there was this Much to know but man it's interesting

[@HeavenOnEarthMap]

Best buffing video!

[@amyli1388]

we are sisal buff wheel ,cloth buff wheel manufacturer from China , if you need ,welcome to contact my email :[e-mail]

[@money1star]

Awesome vid

[@michaelshults7675]

Great video!which belts need raking? does the final polishing cotton wheel ever glaze over?

[@beaufauria7911]

Thank you. Very informative.

[@eastwoodco]

Glad it was helpful!

[@eastwoodco]

Without actually seeing it or watching you buff, I would guess that you may be staying in one spot too long, applying too much pressure or using a motor that's spinning too fast. A buffer that runs about 3,500 RPMs is generally what you want, and remember to keep moving and don't apply too much pressure. Don't forget Eastwood.com has forums where you can get more info.

[@sonofagun8921]

Good job thank you

[@hobie1dog]

Great video, thanks for sharing this with us

[@ErezAcker]

super video!

[@designerdrains8544]

Thank you

[@folsoml]

Where can I find information on how to apply/use the grease-less compounds?

[@homihardware]

Thank you for this video 🙏 Could I use the blue rouge for lucite?

[@ritzo2904]

Awesome video

[@eastwoodco]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bobcatt2294]

Can a rheostat be used inline with this buffer to slow the speed down for certain effects or materials?

[@czr7j9]

Our company has just started buffing shop front window frames in brass, copper etc and it is really hard to know what to do as every company has different ideas. This is a good video though.

[@BushPilot444]

Very good video and production. Surprised Eastwood would produce it without HD though, especially considering it is all about visual quality. Strange, but again, I am not knocking the guy or the video. Very good.

[@rafaelcaroquintero5940]

My buffing machine has a flat head screw in the center is that how I change the polishing pad?

[@Arizona9001]

Could you please cover how to buff tight crevasses, I’m talking 1.4” slits and 1/2” pits.

[@ghffrsfygdhfjkjiysdz]

Tried the greaseless compounds few years ago with a cheap buffer. Just got the 1HP variable speed 8" Jet buffer. Trying to decide if i should try greaseless again (my old batch melted and made a mess) or just go with flap wheels up to say 600 grit followed by regular compounds. What do you think?

[@niasrali6932]

Nice 👍 video

[@killbillyapocalypse4230]

Good stuff thnx

[@Xenon676]

Is the metal protect a greasy film will it hold dirt and dust or does it dry completely?

[@tonmoypaul0769]

Can the greaseless compound stuff be used on wood?

[@topcommentsfromothervideos3686]

Now after you polish something how does it stay extremely shiny without rusting in any way or is it the compound itself that is used to make it so shiny like a sealant

[@deanpuckett5307]

I like the part at the 10:37 mark. Read the subtitles and compare to what he is saying.

[@danzab925]

I have some jewelers rouge which is rock hard. This is what my jeweler uses to polish silver, gold etc. He uses a bench buffer to get product on the buffing pad. What I don't understand is how do you get buffing product on your conical buffing pad, unless your Eastwood product is softer than my rouge.

[@highlypolished7081]

Thank you chaps, you're information is highly appreciated. Also after quite a fair amount of deliberation we have come to the same conclusion. These brown licks in the ally have been spooking us out for a while. Keep it shiny! J.P.

[@davethewave1165]

need info on antique nautical fixtures. highly oxidated

[@pjofurey6239]

Good vid.I spend quite some time just reading his knuckle marks.

[@johnk8628]

Hello Sir. After you buff those tubes what do you apply to keep oxidization at bay ? I stay in a third world country and sealant sprays etc is not available here. can you suggest something?

[@NiceTubeAccount]

+1, what type of paste and wheel use for hard steel like X50CrMoV15 to mirror polish in first most aggressive step and finish step as well?

[@justtisha]

Is there a difference between a grinding machine and a buffing one? Or are they the same tool?

[@HDTRVER]

I use "cotton" polishing wheels on my bench machine (I make handmade ID tags) and it creates lots and lots of loose fibers, is there a vacuum venting system available that will suck that up as it comes loose from the wheel instead of flying all over me and my workspace? TIA

[@matthewgrech6484]

What type of buff wheel do I need to buff Brass Musical Instruments please ? Thanks