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Hello,

I think this is the correct forum for this question. I am in the process of refinishing a Stratocaster. I am looking into buying a polishing wheel for the final buffing/polishing of the finish. Most tutorials I have researched suggest a speed of about 1800 RPM. I have found a variable speed (2000 - 7000 rpm) buffer at a very reasonable price. I was wondering if anyone with experience can tell me if it would be dangerous to the wood or finish of the guitar to polish at a speed of 2000 rpm rather than 1800 rpm?

Thanks,
MattSA

Matt, what kind of finish have you put on the strat? What size wheels and what compound are you going to use for the buff?

speed needs to be figured in feet per minute on the surface of the buff, the correct speed for buffing finishes is around 2750 FPM. Buffing faster imparts more heat which can cause the coating to fail and peel or gum up, it will also cut much faster and eat through at edges with ease.

_________________
Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I was hoping to use 8" buffing wheels, but I also have 5" buffing wheels. The finish is KTM9 water-based lacquer from Luthiers Mercantile Inc.

Thanks,
MattSA

OIK, an 8 inch diameter buff is about 2 foot circumference. Taking Brian's figure of 2750 FPM for the outside of the buff means it should be spinning at around 1300-1400 rpm. StewMac's buffer has 14 inch wheels and turns 715 rpm, that gives a buff speed around 2600 FPM, again, right at Brian's target.

I have a cheap buffer with 8 inch wheels that turns 3500 rpm, it works but I have to be very careful with it - I have burned into lacquer with it. Certainly 2000 or 1800 would be better, and slower would be better yet - I don't have enough experience to say if you'll have problems with 2000. This guitar is KTM-9 buffed on the wheel and there is a little flaw about half way between the neck pup and the waist - it is almost impossible to fix something like that. Not a great picture, sorry



Another option that works pretty well are the foam pads for a drill motor. Instead of using buffing compound you can use automobile polishing compounds. If you are only going to do one or two instruments that can be cost effective. I've use them with good results on both KTM-9 and nitro.

Thanks for the facts. I have some time before buffing, so I will consider the options.

Thanks again,
MattSA