Official Luthiers Forum!

Hey guys,

I'm building a buffing arbor at the moment. I've got all my components except for the safety flanges - these things:


From what I understand, these need to be sized to match the metal centerplate of the buffing wheels that will be used. Fair enough.

I initially figured that centerplate size would depend on the size of the buff, but it looks like that isn't the case. My arbor is designed for 14" buffs, but it looks like these 14" buffs are available with a variety of different size centerplates, ranging from 3" to 5".

I'll buy the buffs first and buy the appropriate flange, but my question is:

For a given buff size (say 14") and material (say domet flannel), is there any advantage to a smaller centerplate vs larger centerplate?

Thanks!

1/2" Birch ply.
Threads reinforced w/ CA glue.=Better clearance in waist area and no nut to bump into.
Super cheap!

Nice idea David!

I'm still curious as to the relative merits of various centerplate sizes on the buffs themselves. Or maybe I'm overthinking things and it doesn't really matter?

Josh,

For what it's worth the plates on my 14" SM buffer are about 6-1/2".

Michael

I can't see how it would make a whole lot of difference.

Maybe they are offered in different sizes so they can accommodate various machine flanges.

If you were running the wheels slow and letting them deform a lot to get into tight places,(on an F mandolin for example) maybe they would deform easier.

Your getting more buff for the money with the smaller centerplate if your young and think you might use them down to the nub

My wheels are 16" diam. and ply flanges are 8" diam.

Thanks guys! All things being equal then, it looks like smaller centreplates are the way to go!


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