On Sun, 24 Sep 2006 13:24:23 -0700, Jimbo wrote:

Hi All,

I recently bought the Beall 3 part buffing system as a few of you have
recommended here. Works great! I love the results.

The only thing I don't like is having to change the wheels each time.

I have seen a picture on somebody's web site that I cant remember
where but it showed all 3 wheels on one spindle powered on the lathe.

I tried a long piece of threaded rod but does not provide enough
support and it was (way) too wobbly in the middle.

Would 3 pieces of 1 in. diameter aluminum rod with the ends threaded
with a 3/8-16 (to hold the buffing pad) and screwed together be
sufficient to hold all 3 wheels?

Or I am open to other suggestions too!

Thanks,

Jim


Jim... I'm guessing that you got the adapter with the wheels, so each wheel
threads on and off?

I was actually building a 3 motor system and stopped when Chuck, my mentor,
suggested that I practice changing wheels a bit before taking up all that
room...
He was right...
Once you get into the "groove", it takes about 10 or 15 seconds to change the
wheel...
When you've done the 1st wheel, just spin it off... if you want more speed, turn
the hand wheel the other direction and it comes off faster.. *g*

I put a plastic washer on each wheel, just on loose after the nut on the wheel
to prevent it from over tightening on the adapter...
When I put the next wheel on, I just start the thread and spin it to get it
seated, then turn on the lathe... that does the rest of the tightening while I'm
getting the next stick or picking up the bowl...

Another reason the I didn't buy or build the 3 wheel rod is that I saw several
disadvantages to it:

How far do you have to separate the wheels to be able to buff a bowl without
hitting a nearby wheel?

How large a bowl can you buff? I tend to swing the bowl back and forth while
buffing the inside.. I can get a pretty good swing on the "outside" of the wheel
as long as I'm aware of the center bolt head... With the rod setup, I couldn't
swing the bowl further than I can now on the "adapter" side of the wheel..

Unless you have the 3 wheel setup on a bench or something with it's own motor,
how long would/wood it take to mount/unmount it from your lathe?
I have the Morse taper adapter but usually just hold the adapter in the Talon
chuck, since it's already on the lathe... either taper or chuck is very fast
and no tail stock to get in the way..

Buff a few turnings and see if you really need a different setup.. I thought
that I did, too.. YMMV
Mac

https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis
https://home.comcast.net/~mac.davis/wood_stuff.htm