Emmick Express Build

[sam bennett]

Polishing wheels.

So this is my mickey-mouse set up which works excellent for a guy on a budget. Using a Craftsman workbench, I bought (2) stationary bearings from Amazon for $12.00 each. I got the electric motor from Harbor Freight for about $130 (with a coupon). The electrical parts came from Home Depot. A couple pulleys, carriage bolts, and a belt later, you have a 1.5hp turning machine running at 1800 rpm. The wiring instructions aren't very good, but google is your friend.






I use button head screws to mount wheel halves to the hub. This keeps my fingers from turning into shredded meat. Usually I have to go 220/320/400 and then to the buffer. 

Here is a used Van-K after some sanding.



Once sanded I take them to the buffer and start the same polishing process. I double glove to hold the rim at a 45* angle to the buffing wheel. The heat can get intense because the surface contact is 360* around the rim. This is delicate work and impact with the buffer shaft nut will ruin all of your work. Additionally if the rim grabs the buffing wheel incorrectly it can fly off and damage more vital organs. 

I have lots of what were 10" wheels worn down to various sizes to polish the insides of the wheels.