Baldor Buffer - 1800 or 3600 RPM?

[Todd Burch]

I'm in the market for one of these bad boys. 8" model, single phase, 115/230volt, long 3/4" dia. shafts, 3/4 HP. The 1800 RPM is model 332B. The 3600 RPM model is 333B. Both are $299 on Amazon.

Should I go for the slower speed model or the faster one? I'll only use it to polish ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Comments? Thanks.

[Steven Seligman]

If you must have a Baldor go with the slow speed, it is the way to go for sharpening and buffing. However, if you can live with an import, woodcraft has a two speed model for around 100.00 bucks. I have this in my shop, and think it works just fine.

have fun :rolleyes:


I'm in the market for one of these bad boys. 8" model, single phase, 115/230volt, long 3/4" dia. shafts, 3/4 HP. The 1800 RPM is model 332B. The 3600 RPM model is 333B. Both are $299 on Amazon.

Should I go for the slower speed model or the faster one? I'll only use it to polish ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Comments? Thanks.

[Bruce Page]

Todd, I use a funky homemade buffer that I picked up at a yard sale years ago. It runs a lot closer to 1800RPM (if that) than 3600RPM and it works great. I use white rouge on aluminum & brass and can get a mirror finish with it. Unless you are going to be buffing out chrome bumpers, I’d go with the 1800RPM machine.

You can’t have everything. Where would you put it? -- Steven Wright

[Bart Leetch]

Balder...........for a buffer.....$299.........WHY....... you must be rich or like to spend...........MONEY.

[Jim Young]

Whatever model you pick definitly go with 1800 RPM. I think the 2600RPM units should be used as grinders only, not buffers and for tool sharpening.

[Todd Burch]

Hey Bart - it's not my money!! I have a very good friend (& very well off) that enjoys living out his visions of being handy through me. He buys the tools and I use them! Such a deal. The last procurement was a Milwaukee 14" Metal cut-off saw. I think he ordered the 1800 RPM buffer today.

Todd.