Hutch I'm late to the dance but OLFer Bruce Dickey RIP built and documented here on the forum one of the nicest buffers I have ever seen. It had a long shaft so you were nice and far from the center support and motor. Maybe do a search on Bruce's name if interested?

Also the motor size is critical on a buffer and since a buffer can grab and throw a guitar you really want a motor small enough not what we usually go for which is big enough you want a motor small enough that if you really dig in with the buffer you can stop the motor.

If I remember correctly no faster than 1,100 RPM too to help avoid burning through the finish.

A really good guy to talk about all things buffers is my friend OLFer Joe White he'a s professional finisher and really knows his stuff.

So you may have noticed that I went ahead and bought the motorless SM buffer. I have a 1/3 hp 1700 rpm motor I can take off a tool I don't use. I can't remember but I think I used a 1/3 hp when I last had this buffer. I'm not sure. I'm going to try it before buying a new or used one.

So you may have noticed that I went ahead and bought the motorless SM buffer. I have a 1/3 hp 1700 rpm motor I can take off a tool I don't use. I can't remember but I think I used a 1/3 hp when I last had this buffer. I'm not sure. I'm going to try it before buying a new or used one.

I have the same motor, just because I already had it. I think the weaker motor may haved saved me from a burn through or two. I'd looked at the Shop Fox one, but glad I got the SM one for the shaft length since I switched to classicals built the Spanish method with the neck and body integrated. It sits on a sled that swings down from the ceiling so I'm not taking a hit on floor space except when it's in use.