Bench Buffer design question

[leehljp]

Why do most bench buffers have so much space between the two end buffers. All of the bench buffers that I have seen - personally look like they have "wings" as opposed to grinders. Why, or what is the purpose for this?

http://www.tarheelparts.com/cgi-bin/store/commerce.cgi

I have known that it is this way since I was a kid but I never asked.

I have had a bench mandrel ( similar to this one ) on hand for about 10 years but never used it. I am now making a buffer, primarily for finish buffing pens. In looking at buffers, curiosity finally got to me.

[cabinetman]

I would guess the distance of most direct drive buffers/grinders, wheels/pads are because they are on the output shafts of the motor. The distance between them might be minimal, but it also may allow enough clearance in using one wheel at a time.

I've set up a belt drive mandrel assembly like the one you pictured. At the time I was doing a lot of buff polishing on Plexiglas (acrylics) and some were set up as single wheels as the pieces could be long and I needed the bulk of the buffing wheel to be flat to the edge. Some buffing pads were 2"-3" wide. For whatever the intended use, you can set up the spacing as needed.
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[eccentrictinkerer]

I always assumed that bench buffers had wide set arbors so that you can access the buffer wheel more easily from the left or right.

It seems that the grinder motor housing is always in my way when I'm grinding.

[LinuxRandal]

In metalwork, a LOT of the parts you will be using them on are much larger then you use them for in woodworking. Think about things like headers or manifolds. There have always been those who can't afford a chromed one, or have issues with chromed items not fitting, and trying to polish parts.

In metalworking, these are popular, along with those flex shafts and buffer pads. Heck, years ago, my grandfather got into jewelry making, and made his own. He used a pump style motor, and used a mandrel extension to give him clearance.

[Tom Slick]

two reasons:
so that you have room to work on curved pieces.
so that you are not bumping the other wheel while working.

[leehljp]

two reasons:
so that you have room to work on curved pieces.
so that you are not bumping the other wheel while working.

Thanks Tom. Since I haven't had a buffer before, I haven't had the opportunity to see the purpose. It just looked strange to me. But now I can see polishing a nick out of a silver pitcher and needing the spacing.