10" N5 Predator Airway Buffing Wheels

Our N5 Airway Buffing Wheels are expertly crafted using the same mill treatments as our Conventional Airway Buffing Wheels, but with a different construction method. 

Our buffing wheels are usually constructed using a #2 Pack or #4 Pack, but the N5 Airway Buffing Wheels employ a #5 Pack, creating a denser and more robust buffing wheel due to using a larger amount of treated fabric. The increase in fabric density often contributes to a longer-lasting, more effective buffing wheel.

When it comes to our cut and color Airway Buffing Wheels (Orange, Red, Yellow, Pink, and Purple), those wheels will be made with a 20-Ply Construction.

The MENSA Buffing Wheel (formerly known as The Golden Child) boasts a 26-Ply construction with a double stitch pattern for added durability and density.

Our Finish Airway Buffing Wheels (UBM, Flannel, and Mirror Shine) will be available in both 20-Ply and 26-Ply configurations as shown below: 

The different fabric construction methods allow for wheels with distinct stiffness levels, catering to the specific needs of different metals/projects. Whether you're working with aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals, our range of buffing wheels provides exceptional performance and results.

Tailored Buffing Wheels for Different Metals

• Orange and Yellow Wheels: These are meticulously designed for polishing aluminum, delivering impeccable results.

• Red, Pink, and Purple Treatments: Specifically formulated for stainless steel, these buffing wheels ensure a brilliant shine.

• UBM, Flannel, and Mirror Shine Wheels: Engineered for the final finish, these versatile wheels can be effectively used for both aluminum and stainless steel, leaving a flawless surface.

You use the edge of the buffing wheel to polish? 

Yes! Edge buffing is a technique commonly used in conjunction with an angle grinder, a buffing wheel, and compound. Achieve a shiny, polished edge effortlessly. See below:

Precise Wheel and Compound Pairings for Effective Polishing

Achieving a brilliant finish on aluminum and stainless steel involves a precise two-step process: 

• For aluminum, start with our Brown Tripoli Metal Polishing Compound paired with our Orange Airway Buffing Wheel. This step is typically done around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM.

• Follow up with our Yellow Airway Buffing Wheel combined with our Green Rouge Metal Polishing Compound for the perfect shine. This step is typically done around 2,500 to 3,000 RPM.

• When polishing stainless steel, the initial step involves the red airway buffing wheel and Black Magic Compound, followed by the Pink buffing wheel and Yellow Deluxe Compound for added brilliance. This step is typically done around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM.

• For an exceptional show-quality shine, consider using a Domet Flannel or UBM buffing wheel with our Blue Rouge Metal Polishing Compound, but be sure to keep the RPMs below 2,200 for optimal results.

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.

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.

How to polish aluminum wheels:

To polish aluminum and stainless steel wheels, pair the appropriate metal buffing and polishing compound (as listed above) with a smaller diameter airway buffing wheel to get into the hard-to-reach areas of the wheel.

Pro tip: Always rake your buffing wheels.

How do I use a buffing wheel rake?

The buffing wheel should be spinning at it’s normal speed and the rake should be held securely when held up to a stationary bench grinder or lathe. On a grinder, please exercise caution when raking. We recommend using your feet to hold the rake to the ground and holding the angle-grinder to it.

What Polisher/Grinder Goes best with these buffing wheels? 

MAKITA 9237C- The best 3,500 RPM polishing machine (PROS & BEGINNERS) 

MAKITA GA7021 - The best 6,000 RPM polishing machine (PROS) 

What are the safety requirements for buffing wheels & metal polishing? 

We HIGHLY recommend that you use a full face respirator mask! This FULL FACE RESPIRATOR MASK  is highly recommended and great quality. 

Generally speaking, our Airway Buffing Wheels should be run at the following speeds:

• First Stage/"Cut" Stage: 3,000 to 3,500 RPM

• Orange Airway Buffing Wheel + Brown Tripoli Metal Polishing Compound for Aluminum
• Red Airway Buffing Wheel + Black Magic Compound for Steel

• Second Stage/"Color" Stage: 2,200 to 2,800 RPM

• Yellow Airway Buffing Wheel + Green Rouge Metal Polishing Compound for Aluminum
• Pink Airway Buffing Wheel + Yellow Deluxe Compound for Steel
• Purple Airway Buffing Wheel + Blue or White Metal Polishing Compound

• Third Stage/"Finish" Stage: 1,800 to 2,200 RPM

• Flannel or UBM Airway Buffing Wheel + Competition Purple Metal Polishing Compound for both Aluminum and Steel