Bench Grinder VS Buffer... What's the Difference?

[91FE]

I'm looking to get a bench-top grinder, but I could also foresee wanting a buffer/polisher at some point. From what I've seen, they both spin at about the same rpms (3250 IIRC). By switching arbors, can you do both tasks with the same machine? The grinders all have shields for sparks and chips, while the buffers do not. Could I get a grinder and remove the shields and swap wheels if I wanted to buff/polish something?

Thanks,
Scott

[LCHIEN]

i would think so. I'd go look at the buffer wheels at the HW store and see that the arbor hole was the same size. The shields are just attached with screws and bolts so removal should be no problemo.

[Jim Boyd]

The only other thing is some buffers have longer shafts. If you can get enough clearance around a grinder it would work.

[Hoover]

Basically a buffer can be used as a grinder as noted by the other posts. I have a Grizzly 8" buffer which has a 3/4" arbor instead of the common 5/8" for grinders, so you might want to check before you spend your hard earned money.

[Pappy]

As already noted, buffers have longer shafts to provide better clearance and no shroud/guard. If the clearance is adequate for the piece you are polishing, and the arbor size is right, a grinder could be used as a buffer. Not sure I would try it the other way, though. The extra weight of a grinder wheel might damage the buffer's longer shafts.

[91FE]

thanks guys!