Description
Hilzinger-Thum has been making buffing and grinding tools for over 120 years and is one of the few companies recommended by Menzerna for buffing wheels. Hilzinger-Thum utilizes the highest grade sisal fibers, achieving significantly higher density and durability in their buffing tools. They even have a public-private partnership in a sisal estate in Tanzania, where local farmers are paid fair wages for this valuable crop.
Pairs with: Menzerna 523LBZ, Menzerna 439T, Menzerna 456G, Menzerna 333, Menzerna P14F
Unlike our old Osborn sisal buffing wheels these do not have a break-in period: simply rake, apply compound, and start buffing! Stephane still suggests that regular raking is not necessary while cutting stainless steel; however, the buff will quickly load up with softer metals like aluminum and need a light rake to keep the fibers clear and efficiently cutting.
The natural fiber of the Agave plant, grown in South Africa and South America, is a cost-effective and robust natural fiber for metal-polishing, which has become a material of choice due to its qualities in the polishing process. By using only first class, long sisal fibers for matting and braid, the quality of the sisal polishing tools is exceptional and guarantees a long life. Sisal buffing with the appropriate compounds can easily follow grinding with abrasive belt grits of 240 for non-ferrous metals and grit 280 for stainless steel; pure cotton buffs would be hard pressed to do this. This conversion from abrasive belt grinding to sisal buffing at an early stage is economical and cost effective; a good industrial finish will be achieved but no mirror finish without refinement. Finer, more shining surfaces can be achieved by using sisal/cotton combinations, instead of pure sisal matting or sisal braid. Sisal buffing wheels are frequently impregnated with special treatments to increase the longevity of the buff, enhance the polishing effect, and enhance compound retention – resulting in savings on both polishing buffs and compounds.
Buff will need to be raked prior to initial use. Does not include a center reducer plate. Requires the use of a self-centering safety flange set or standard end flanges (ideally) in conjunction with a center reducer plate for proper mounting and safe operation. Industrial grade.
Hilzinger Max RPM:
10″ x 3″ = 2000 RPM
12″ x 5″ = 1700 RPM
Please note that while several prototype and production buffs were tested at 5k, 6k, and 8.5k RPM, Hilzinger-Thum/Hilzinger America will not warranty buffing wheels run at excessive speeds. Do so at your own risk.
Sean Cowan (verified owner) –
An aggressive, heavy cut, yet balanced wheel that doesn’t shoot fibres even at 6000rpm. The finish that it leaves makes for an easy second stage on sanded stainless fenders, beat up air breathers, cast aluminum parts and on aluminum rims. After all the testing and in my continued daily use, I am very impressed by the wheel’s minimal amount of wear, durability and all around performance. I highly recommend!!!
Select Coating & Polishing Ltd.
JP Evans (verified owner) –
The new sisal wheel is hands down the best sisal ever made!! Doesn’t whip you and break down right away. It cuts like a knife through hot butter. I cut 4 stainless half fenders and a stainless mailbox and it is still exactly the same size as the day I received it. I would highly recommend this wheel.
thomasjoy12 (verified owner) –
An absolutely beautiful buff that is extremely well balanced. And they last a long time. Cuts nice and aggressive mixed with 439t, but leaves a clean pass on your final pass. Won’t run anything but these!
Donald Angell (verified owner) –
Love this place will Deff order more