Airway Buffing Wheels For Metal Polishing

Our Airway Buffing Wheels are expertly crafted using various mill treatments and fabric construction methods to offer wheels with distinct stiffness levels, catering to the specific needs of different metals. Whether you're working with aluminum, stainless steel, or other metals, our range of buffing wheels provides exceptional performance and results.

Tailored Buffing Wheels for Different Metals

Orange and Yellow Wheels: These are meticulously designed for polishing aluminum, delivering impeccable results.

Red and Pink Treatments: Specifically formulated for stainless steel, these buffing wheels ensure a brilliant shine.

UBM and Flannel Wheels: Engineered for the final finish, these versatile wheels can be effectively used for both aluminum and stainless steel, leaving a flawless surface.

You use the edge of the buffing wheel to polish? 

Yes! Edge buffing is a technique commonly used in conjunction with an angle grinder, a buffing wheel, and compound. Achieve a shiny, polished edge effortlessly. See below:

Choosing the Right Size Buffing Wheel for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate buffing wheel size is crucial for achieving your desired results. We recommend the 9" Airway Buffing Wheel size for most applications, striking a perfect balance between maneuverability and wheel longevity. If you require more detailed work, consider an 8" buffing wheel. Larger sizes like 10" and 12" are typically reserved for professionals dealing with extensive flat surfaces. Some users prefer 10" Airway Buffs, intending to wear them down to 8" or 9" for detailed work instead of purchasing multiple sizes.

Precise Wheel and Compound Pairings for Effective Polishing

Achieving a brilliant finish on aluminum and stainless steel involves a precise two-step process:

For aluminum, start with our Brown Tripoli Metal Polishing Compound paired with our Orange Airway Buffing Wheel. This step is typically done around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM.

Follow up with our Yellow Airway Buffing Wheel combined with our Green Rouge Metal Polishing Compound for the perfect shine. This step is typically done around 2,500 to 3,000 RPM.

When polishing stainless steel, the initial step involves the red airway buffing wheel and Black Magic Polishing Compound, followed by the Pink buffing wheel and Yellow Deluxe Compound for added brilliance. This step is typically done around 3,000 to 3,500 RPM.

For an exceptional show-quality shine, consider using a Domet Flannel or UBM buffing wheel with our Blue Rouge Metal Polishing Compound, Competition Purple Metal Polishing Compound, or our Blueberry Ultra-Fine Synthetic Polishing Compound, but be sure to keep the RPMs below 2,200 for optimal results.

Below is a table showing the maximum safe operating speed for each size of buffing wheel:

IMPORTANT: Our Airway Buffing Wheels are rated for a MAXIMUM SPEED OF 3,500 RPMs. Our Airway Buffing Wheels should ALWAYS be mounted with a set of safety flanges to reinforce the center of the buffing wheel.

How to polish aluminum wheels

To polish aluminum and stainless steel wheels, pair the appropriate metal buffing and polishing compound (as listed above) with a smaller diameter airway buffing wheel to get into the hard-to-reach areas of the wheel.

How do I use a Buffing Wheel Rake?

The buffing wheel should be spinning at it’s normal speed and the Buffing Wheel Rake should be held securely when held up to a stationary bench grinder or lathe. On a grinder, please exercise caution when raking. We recommend using your feet to hold the Buffing Wheel Rake to the ground and holding the angle-grinder to it.

Why should I use a Buffing Wheel Rake? 

Raking your buff removes hardened and burned on polishing and buffing compound from the edges of your buffing wheel. Compound build up can reduce the efficiency of the buffing wheel while also creating a rougher surface. If you notice a significant decrease in the residual metal dust produced when buffing, rake the buffing wheel and reapply a small amount of metal polishing compound.

First Stage - CUT (3,000 to 3,500 RPM)

• Aluminum: Orange Wheel + Brown Compound
• Steel: Red Wheel + Black Compound
  

Second Stage - COLOR (2,200 to 2,800 RPM)

• Aluminum: Yellow wheel + Green compound
• Steel: Pink wheel + Yellow compound
• Aluminum/Steel: Purple wheel + Blue or White compound
  

Third Stage - FINISH (1,800 to 2,200 RPM)

• Flannel or UBM Airway Buffing Wheel + Blue Rouge Metal Polishing Compound, Competition Purple Metal Polishing Compound
• Aluminum and Steel: Blueberry Ultra-Fine Synthetic Polishing Compound