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 provides exceptional 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 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.

Choosing the Right Size Buffing Wheel for Your Project

Selecting the appropriate buffing wheel size is crucial. We recommend the 9" Airway Buffing Wheel for most applications. It offers a perfect balance between maneuverability and wheel longevity.

If you require more detailed work, try an 8" wheel. Larger sizes like 10" and 12" are typically reserved for professionals. Some users prefer 10" buffs and wear them down to 8" or 9" for detailed use.

Precise Wheel and Compound Pairings for Effective Polishing

To polish aluminum, start with our Brown Tripoli Compound and Orange Airway Buffing Wheel at 3,000–3,500 RPM. Follow with Yellow Buff and Green Rouge at 2,500–3,000 RPM.

For stainless steel, start with the Red Airway Buffing Wheel and Black Magic Compound. Then follow with the Pink Buffing Wheel and Yellow Deluxe Compound.

For a show-quality finish, use a Domet Flannel or UBM buff with our Blue Rouge Compound. Keep RPMs below 2,200 for best results.

Buffing Wheel Speed Safety

IMPORTANT: Our Airway Buffing Wheels are rated for a MAXIMUM SPEED OF 3,500 RPMs.

How to Polish Aluminum Wheels

Pair the right polishing compound with a smaller diameter buffing wheel to get into tight spots. Use aluminum compounds for aluminum, and steel-specific compounds for stainless wheels.

Pro Tip: Always Rake Your Buffing Wheels

Raking removes hardened and burned compound from the edge of your buffing wheel. This prevents rough buffing and improves polishing performance.

How to Use a Buffing Wheel Rake

Hold the rake securely against the spinning buffing wheel. On a grinder, hold the rake to the ground with your foot and move the angle grinder across it carefully.

Best Polishers/Grinders for These Wheels

• MAKITA 9237C – Best 3,500 RPM polisher for beginners and pros
• MAKITA GA7021 – Best 6,000 RPM machine for professional use

Recommended Safety Gear

We HIGHLY recommend a full-face respirator mask. This provides vital protection during metal polishing and buffing sessions.

Polishing Speed Guidelines

• Cut Stage (3,000–3,500 RPM): Aluminum: Orange Buff + Brown Tripoli Steel: Red Buff + Black Magic
• Color Stage (2,200–2,800 RPM): Aluminum: Yellow Buff + Green Rouge Steel: Pink Buff + Yellow Deluxe Optional: Purple Buff + Blue/White Compound
• Finish Stage (1,800–2,200 RPM): Flannel or UBM Buff + Competition Purple Compound