Official Luthiers Forum!

Okay, I have the StewMac buffing arbor setup on a stand I just rebuilt.
Finally set up spacers around the 3/4" shaft, and spaced out the 1 1/4" ID buffing wheels (12" wheels). All vibration is finally gone, and it doesn't feel like I'm going to throw an instrument anymore. Works great!

Now, I want it wider, and want to increase the shaft size (using pillow blocks to support the shaft).
Can anyone tell me where I can get a 36" x 1 1/4" shaft steel rod to make my "new" buffer out of?
I see some places online, but I'm not in tune with what kind of metal rod to order. I'll source the nuts for the flanges locally, and have the rod threaded on the end at a machine shop (which will cost at least $35, minimum), unless I can get it exactly as I need.

Thanks.

Aaron

Aaron,

You can get some nice precision ground shafts for a fairly reasonable price at McMaster Carr. That's where I usually get mine. There are other sources I'm sure but these guys are quick and easy.

_________________
Bill Hodge


One does not simply, own enough guitars!

Most likely the machine shop will know what to use,mosy likely cold rolled and will stock it as well.

_________________
A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Aaron --

I had a machine shop right down the road -- literally, about a quarter mile from my house -- make a left-hand threaded 1" shaft to use outboard on my lathe. He also made two big "washers" to go on either side of the buff for added stability. He threaded several inches on the end in case I want to add another similar shaft in the future, of course with a mounted pillow block. I love how stable it is, and the variable speed of my lathe is a wonderful bonus.

I paid $130 for the shaft + washers. Money well spent.

_________________
Mountain Song Guitars www.mountainsongguitars.com

Yup, in this instance a machine shop may be your friend. I have a 42 inch shaft that is 1.25 inch in diametre that has a key way for the pulley and is set for pillow blocks. The shaft was $90 CDN and I figure I have about $250 invested in pro grade fittings and buffing wheels. It is, in my opinion, the way to go! Oh ya, a used 3/4 hp motor that was acquired, for free, from a friend.

Shane

_________________
Canada

Thanks guys. I definitely have my path narrowed down. Shane, yours is about 100% of where I'm going with this. Now, to find the pulley.

Aaron