Stitched Airway Buffing Wheels for Precision Metal Polishing Our Stitched Buffing Wheels are meticulously designed to provide more compact and closely bound buffing fibers, resulting in a tighter construction as compared to the regular Airway Buffs. This unique stitching method ensures extended durability and heightened stiffness for your buffing wheel, allowing for a more intense and precise polishing experience. Colors for Specific Metal Types: Aluminum - Orange and Yellow buffing wheels are best suited. Stainless Steel - Our Red and Pink buffing wheels are tailored for this purpose. Final Finish on Both Aluminum and Stainless Steel - UBM and Flannel wheels come into play. Edge Buffing: Shine metal to perfection using the edge of the buffing wheel. This technique, known as edge buffing, is particularly effective when paired with an angle grinder, the right buffing wheel, and a suitable compound. Recommended Buffing Wheel Size: The versatile 9" Stitched Buffing Wheel strikes a balance between agility and durability. Compound and Buff Wheel Matching: Aluminum Polishing: First Step: Brown Tripoli Metal Polishing Compound with our Orange Buffing Wheel. Second Step: Yellow Buffing Wheel paired with Green Rouge Metal Polishing Compound. Stainless Steel Polishing: First Step: Red buffing wheel combined with the Black Magic Compound. Second Step: Pink buffing wheel paired with Yellow Deluxe Compound. For a mirror-like finish, a white buffing wheel with Blue Rouge Metal Polishing Compound is recommended at speeds not exceeding 2,200 RPM. Polishing Wheel Edges: For those tough spots on aluminum and stainless steel wheels, use a smaller Spiral-Stitched Buffing Wheel alongside the correct metal polishing compound as detailed above. Pro Tip: Keep your buffing wheels efficient and in top shape by regularly raking them. Buffing Wheel Rake Usage: While the buffing wheel rotates at its operational speed, secure the rake and either hold it against a stationary bench grinder or lathe. If using a grinder, anchor the rake with your feet and approach with the grinder cautiously. Why Rake? Over time, buffing compound accumulates on the wheel, hardening and occasionally burning. This buildup reduces wheel efficiency and makes for a rougher polish. When you see a drop in metal dust while buffing, it's time to rake and reapply your polishing compound. Best Machines for These Buffing Wheels: MAKITA 9237C- The best 3,500 RPM polishing machine (PROS & BEGINNERS) MAKITA GA7021 - The best 6,000 RPM polishing machine (PROS) Recommended Speeds for Buffing Stages: Below is a table showing the maximum safe operating speed for each size of buffing wheel: IMPORTANT: Our Airway Buffing Wheels are rated for a MAXIMUM SPEED OF 3,500 RPMs. First/Cut Stage: 3,000 to 3,500 RPM Second/Color Stage: 2,200 to 2,800 RPM Third/Finish Stage: 1,800 to 2,200 RPM. NOTE: Safety flanges should always be used when mounting a buffing wheel. Safety Flanges are meant to reduce the chances warping of the center plate of the buffing wheel. In addition to offering protection against warping, Safety Flanges also help to keep the buffing wheel securely in place. A buffing wheel rake should be used to prime the buffing wheel to accept compound and to free the buffing wheel of build-up when necessary.
