Buffing Wheel
The buffing wheel is a pedestal machine. It usually has a double-ended spindle with a cloth wheel at each end.
Buffing and polishing using cloth wheels and 'compounds' is somewhat like using wet and dry sanding paper, only much faster.
Varying types of wheels are available, and the different grades of compound are scaled similar to sandpaper. The compounds are made from a wax substance which has the different abrasive powders added to it.
When this hard block is applied to the edge of a spinning buffing wheel, the heat from the friction melts the wax, and both wax and abrasive are applied in a thin slick to the face of the wheel.
For safety purposes above each wheel should be mounted a see through eye shield.
Use of the Buffing Wheel will impart a luster to metal, plastics or other materials. It is generally used in the polishing of art metal and jewellery work.
Buffing and polishing using cloth wheels and 'compounds' is somewhat like using wet and dry sanding paper, only much faster.
Varying types of wheels are available, and the different grades of compound are scaled similar to sandpaper. The compounds are made from a wax substance which has the different abrasive powders added to it.
When this hard block is applied to the edge of a spinning buffing wheel, the heat from the friction melts the wax, and both wax and abrasive are applied in a thin slick to the face of the wheel.
For safety purposes above each wheel should be mounted a see through eye shield.
Use of the Buffing Wheel will impart a luster to metal, plastics or other materials. It is generally used in the polishing of art metal and jewellery work.
Identified Risks & Hazards
General hazards that may arise when operating fixed machinery include:
Specific hazards that may arise when operating the Buffing Wheel include:
- moving and rotating parts (blades and bits, tool disintegration)
- movement of the workpiece
- inhalation of fumes and dust particles
- electrocution from power faults, faulty equipment or incorrect use
- ejection of waste materials from cutting blades
- burns from hot materials or friction
- hand and finger injuries from rotating blades, spindles or pulleys
- squash, pinch and crush injuries
- swarf being ejected from machines
- noise from high speed cutters
Specific hazards that may arise when operating the Buffing Wheel include:
- The speed of rotation poses a hazard to hair, hands, clothing or jewellery, which may get caught. Wax and abrasive may hit the operator.
- Never buff or sand by placing the workpiece on top of the wheel.
- The wheel may kick the workpiece toward the operator. Always buff on the downward part of the wheel.
Hazard Control
Some methods of hazard control are more efficient than others, but a combination of methods usually provides a safer workplace than relying on only one method.
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The following control measures should be included as part of the Safe Operating Procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Pre-operational Safety
The following safety checks and precautions should be carried out when preparing to set up, operate or maintain a buffing wheel machine:
- The isolating switch should be in the OFF position. The machine must be isolated from the main electricity supply when not in use.
- Check that the wheel is suitable for the workpiece to be buffed.
- Check the condition of the buffing wheel. It should be kept in good condition at all times.
- All guards and shields must be correctly fitted and secured. Before operating the machine, remove tie, rings, watches, other jewellery, and roll up sleeves above the elbows. Remove all loose clothing and confine long hair. Do NOT wear gloves.
- The buffing machine and work area should be clean and free of scrap and other obstacles.
Operating Safety Precautions
Never buff with the workpiece on top of the wheel. The workpiece may be
caught by the wheel and be thrown at the operator. Always apply the workpiece
near the bottom of the wheel.
Select the appropriate stick of polishing compound for your application and apply to the rotating face of the wheel.
Start the buffer and with both hands firmly grasping the workpiece to be polished. Lightly and evenly move the workpiece back and forth on the buffing wheel.
Avoid overheating the work piece by not exerting too much pressure and prolonged contact with the wheel.
Do not put pressure on the side of the wheel, as it can cause the wheel to become damaged.
Do not hold onto the workpiece with gloves, apron, material or clothing.
Select the appropriate stick of polishing compound for your application and apply to the rotating face of the wheel.
Start the buffer and with both hands firmly grasping the workpiece to be polished. Lightly and evenly move the workpiece back and forth on the buffing wheel.
Avoid overheating the work piece by not exerting too much pressure and prolonged contact with the wheel.
Do not put pressure on the side of the wheel, as it can cause the wheel to become damaged.
Do not hold onto the workpiece with gloves, apron, material or clothing.
Daily Maintenance
Daily
maintenance on a buffing machine would include checking the condition of the
wheel and checking the position of the eye guard.
Raking the Buffing Wheel
Wheel
rakes work really effectively to fluff up and remove debris from buffing
wheels. Offer the jagged blade to the edge of the spinning wheel, and work it
across the face until the wheel looks bright and fluffy once more. This action,
done periodically, will remove entrapped metal particles, which could scratch a
more delicate part.
Switches
Electrically
operated machines should be fitted with a flush green on or start
switch and a red stop switch that has a raised mushroom shaped head
for fast emergency contact.
Safe Work Zone
The following Safe Work Zone for this machine is derived from the NSW education authority guide.
Safe Work Zone
The following Safe Work Zone for this machine is derived from the NSW education authority guide.