Solid-Center Airway Buffing Wheels For Metal Polishing

Our 9" Solid-Center Airway Buffing Wheels are meticulously crafted using various mill treatments to cater to different metal polishing needs. The Orange and Yellow wheels are tailored for aluminum, while the Red and Pink treatments are designed for stainless steel. Additionally, our UBM and Flannel wheels excel at delivering a final finish, suitable for both aluminum and stainless steel applications.

What's the difference between the Solid-Center Airway Buffing Wheels and the traditional Airway Buffing Wheels? 

Unlike traditional Airway Buffing Wheels, our Solid-Center Airway Buffing wheels boast a single-piece construction. This design simplifies placement and centering onto the arbor of your polisher or angle grinder. Perfect for "weekend warriors" and "do-it-yourselfers" exploring the world of machine polishing.

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

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

Prioritize Safety in Metal Polishing

Safety is paramount in metal polishing. We highly recommend using a full face respirator mask for your protection. This FULL FACE RESPIRATOR MASK is not only highly recommended but also of top-notch quality.

You use the edge of the buffing wheel to polish? 

Yes! This is called edge buffing and the method is often used when polishing metal with an angle grinder, a buffing wheel, and compound. See below:

Choosing the Right Size Buffing Wheel for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate buffing wheel size is crucial for achieving your desired results. We recommend the 9" Airway Buffing Wheel size for most applications, striking a perfect balance between maneuverability and wheel longevity. If you require more detailed work, consider an 8" buffing wheel. Larger sizes like 10" and 12" are typically reserved for professionals dealing with extensive flat surfaces. Some users prefer 10" Airway Buffs, intending to wear them down to 8" or 9" for detailed work instead of purchasing multiple sizes.

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 Polishing 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, Competition Purple Metal Polishing Compound, or our Blueberry Ultra-Fine Synthetic 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 Buffing Wheel 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 Buffing Wheel Rake to the ground and holding the angle-grinder to it.

Why should I use a Buffing Wheel Rake? 

Raking your buff removes hardened and burned on polishing and buffing compound from the edges of your buffing wheel. Compound build up can reduce the efficiency of the buffing wheel while also creating a rougher surface. If you notice a significant decrease in the residual metal dust produced when buffing, rake the buffing wheel and reapply a small amount of metal polishing compound.

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 Polishing 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 + Blue Rouge Metal Polishing Compound, Competition Purple Metal Polishing Compound, OR our Blueberry Ultra-Fine Synthetic Polishing Compound for both Aluminum and Steel