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January 25, 2004

Buffing Stand Paint

Some guys like the look of bare steel. I'm one of them. But I also realize the limitations of it, especially in a place like Cleveland where the weather is hard on metal. My new buffing stand needed paint to be durable.

The first thing I did was mount the buffer to figure out where to drill the mounting holes. Once those were drilled, I painted it using some black Rustoleum paint I had leftover from a project in the basement. This isn't that spraycan stuff, mind you, but the industrial black epoxy that's virtually indestructible. I figured it would be a good choice for something that will probably not live an easy life.

Yes, I used a brush. The stuff is too thick to spray
without the proper thinner, which I don't have. Also,
it is presently 12 degrees in Cleveland--not the best
weather for spraying paint outside...

The good thing is that this epoxy lays down really
well and you won't see any of the brush strokes when
it cures.

I'd also like to talk about shop equipment today. The buffer shown below is the second I've received from Sears--it's a catalog-only item, so I can't get it locally, nor can I exchange it locally. The first one arrived with bad bearings, and ended up being a major-league hassle to return and get my money back. After climbing the management ladder, I got this one sent to me, and when I plugged it in and fired it up, it, too, failed to operate properly. In fact, it started cooking itself, smoking and heating up. I was about to lose my temper again and give Sears customer service (another) piece of my mind--and this time I wouldn't be kind.

Well, actually, I did lose my temper. I gave the thing a few whacks with a rubber hammer. And not only did it make me feel better, it made the buffer feel better, too. It started working perfectly. I can't imagine why... Hopefully that will be the last of the problems I'll have with it. But if you're looking for a buffer, get a Baldor from Eastwoodor Caswell--the more expensive tool will pay for itself. If I have a meltdown in the future, I'll be doing the same.

I have preached on this site and in other places about buying the best tools, equipment and project vehicles you can afford. This is exactly why. I thought I could get a buffer for cheap, and I paid the price. If it works for another 10 years, then I'm lucky. If not, then I got what I deserved. So do as I say not as I do, OK?

Sears Craftsman 8-inch buffer. Inexpensive and it shows...

Here's what the new setup will be replacing. I look
forward to it.

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E-mail me at toolman8@sbcglobal.net

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Last modified on 02/06/2005

Thanks, Fidget!