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I have an arbor that is 1-1/4" and the StewMac buffing wheels have a 1" centre plate. I emailed them to find out if the centre plate is removable so that I could potentially replace them with a centre plate that has a 1-1/4" bore but I was told that they are not removable. Can anyone with StewMac wheels confirm this?

If they are removable, my plan is to get some 5" centre plates. I'm in Canada and have a difficult time sourcing airway buffs. I've also considered just getting the canton flannel buffs from Caswell but it seems like the general consensus is to go for both canton and domet buffs.

Thanks,
Charlton

I would say they aren’t “intended” for removing them. Here is a pic that might help. Anything is removable if you’re motivated, but the material might not make it out the other side.



Hope that helps.

Brad


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Hi Brad,

Thanks for the photos. I believe that is the design of all centre plates. Is the centre plate like that on both sides? Normally they are just put in on one side (crimped in place but sometimes welded in place).



As an example, here is someone who pops it out with a whack (not suggesting you try this, of course).

https://youtu.be/DjUesIAhEAc?t=136

Maybe this whole endeavour is more hassle than it's worth.

Shipping from Grizzly to Canada is pretty much a non-starter these days. Caswell plating has buffs but the only one they provide with a 1-1/4" bore is the canton flannel. It's not an airway buff (not *really* sure if that makes a difference in the grand scheme of things).

No problem, I’ll take your word for it they are all alike. I’m just a user. [FACE WITH TEARS OF JOY]

Here is the other side:


Brad


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Thanks again, Brad. It does look like it's just a single plate with tabs bent over on both sides. Doesn't look like it would be difficult to just bend the tabs to remove it if I decide to go this route.

Much appreciated!

Charlton