Cleaning of buffing wheels

[Dieseldoc]

Have several cotton 8 inch buffing wheels that have a build up of compound, dirt grit . What is the best way to clean them?

 

[ramaroodle]

Good question a day too late. Don't put them in the washer! Ask me how I know.

 

[Curly]

The proper way is to use a rake. Caswell Plating have them. https://www.caswellplating.com/

 

[thewishman]

120 grit sandpaper (a good brand) I use mine wrapped around a board. After cleaning, I use the board without the sandpaper to knock off any loose particles.

 

[Hutch9022]

Nobody cringe but I had a large build up so I ended up having to use a chisel with the wheels on high speed to cut off the build up.


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[Sylvanite]

See Cleaning Buffing Wheels

 

[brownsfn2]

Like Chris said sand paper works. I have used 80 grit before with no problems. I also have a rake but be careful. They are really aggressive.

 

[TonyL]

In addition to the rake and SP, some use a dedicated SP eraser (big rubber rectangular thing) - just not at high RPMs.

 

[JimB]

I use a piece of 2x4. If you are getting regular build up then you are using too much compound on the wheels. It only takes a little to get the job done.

 

[wolf creek knives]

I use a piece of 2x4. If you are getting regular build up then you are using too much compound on the wheels. It only takes a little to get the job done.

I use a piece of wood about the thickness of a paint stirrer. Hold it at an downward angle with the wheel spinning. Don't use a lot of force and it will clean off the excess on the wheel. I've never used a rake so I have no idea of how well or how it works.

 

[sbwertz]

I've used sandpaper. It will also clean the tarnish off the wheels if you have buffed something metal.

 

[hilltopper46]

Years ago I read somewhere on some forum to buy a cheap steel brush and dedicate it to use as a buffer rake - it certainly does the job for me.

 

[SteveG]

I bought the rake offered by Caswell. It works very well, and quickly. If fact, it is easy to over-do the buff cleaning process with it, so a light touch with a steady hand/grip is what works.

 

[mbroberg]

I've always used sandpaper. The rake must work great since it seems to be the recognized method of cleaning the wheels, but I'm wondering about putting a metal object against the wheel. Wouldn't that turn the wheel black like other metal objects tend to do?

 

[Swagopenturner]

I made a rake out of old hacksaw blade. Just gently bend several blades in half and tape the ends together.

 

[SteveG]

I've always used sandpaper. The rake must work great since it seems to be the recognized method of cleaning the wheels, but I'm wondering about putting a metal object against the wheel. Wouldn't that turn the wheel black like other metal objects tend to do?

The rake I have just leaves a clean buff. I think the black residue comes from metal wearing from the bushing on to the buff, whereas the rake is doing just the opposite...taking off buff material. Anyhow, it works!