Danger using a rotary buffer

[KC WV]

This site has been fabulous, as I've been able to make my 13 year old SeaRay look like new. I purchased a new rotorary buffer and was very pleased with the results.

But my purpose in posting this, I had talked my Dad into using it on his 24 year old SeaRay. He came over and borrowed the buffer this morning. Around 11 am, i got a call that Mom was taking him to the ER. The tail of the draw cord that holds the wool pad cinched around the foam pad came loose and wrapped around his little finger. Before he could do anything, it ripped the tip of his finger off, below the fingernail, down to the bone. Luckily, he didn't break his finger, but it's about a quarter of an inch shorter now. The good news is he was almost finished with the boat before the accident.

I've read a lot about those rotary buffers, and know that many of you are using them, so be careful!

 

[1stSeaRay]

 

[chumbley]

Sorry to hear about your Dad's finger. And I think we can do without the pictures (unless it is of the boat).

 

[OldSkool]

A common problem with rotory buffers or grinders is using them with your shirt tail hanging out. I have wrapped a buffer clear up to my chest before it stopped. Caught the tail in front and ate me and my shirt up.

 

[wish2fish]

you need to go finish his boat!

 

[Tonka Boater]

Ouch! Hope your dad recovers quickly.

 

[Slippery When Wet]

Thanks for the tip. :grin:

 

[Jack F]

Thanks for the tip. :grin:

That is just wrong,, funny but wrong.

 

[katricol]

Funny one Scott.....

 

[shore]

I've used these type for years in my previous line of work.5 cars a day.My most common grabber by far was antenna's...man they would whip around.

I always kept the cord over my shoulder and only used velcro type pads.

The most common injury is actually your back.The torque will get to you.

 

[Skuza]

Amazing how fast they can self-wind their own cords too. I've often noted how close your hand is to 2-3K RPM's worth of a few hundred pounds of instant torque. Used one for years in business and hobby but accidents still happen. Even when you think your being careful.

 

[avguy]

Sorry to hear about your dad.

Go to proper boat care & order a velcro backing plate & some velcro backed wool bonnets. Much easier to deal with over the string thing. Also, when I use my buffer I hang the ac cable over my shoulder....keeps it out of the way.

 

[Gofirstclass]

Sorry to hear about your Dad's accident. I hope he recovers quickly.

My Makita grabbed the cord on mine last week. It ate through the rubber on the cord before I could get it stopped but fortunately didn't do any damage to the wires.

 

[SevenTeas]

Fingers grow back right???

How does his boat look!!!!

 

[boatrepairman]

Sorry to hear about your Dad... We used a Milwaukie (big red) variable speed buffer with a 3m 2 plus 2 double sided wool pad. These are heavy unit's, but very user friendly.

 

[MarineClean/Leverage]

Sorry to hear about your Dad as well.

Part of buffing a boat is the odd angles in which you work.

I've buffed for years and the best way I've found is take the cord and go once around your forearm then step through the cord once with your right leg. If you're buffing bent over then still once around the forearm, behind your neck resting on your shoulders then usually one step through the cord with your left leg. Further down the cord I also tie it around a rail or something that allows me just enough to do the job.