When to use a Flannel buffing wheel vs. a UBM buffing wheel

Brian Arthur of Centex Polishing and Kevin Clapp of Texas Premier Polishing discuss when to use a Flannel Airway Buffing Wheel vs. when to use a UBM (unbleached muslin) buffing wheel.

In most cases, you'll want to use a flannel buffing wheel when you have surfaces that you may need to work around, such as valve stems, buckles, brackets, etc. as the softer nature of the wheel will work its way around those obstacles/objects.

UBM Airway buffing wheels are more often used on flatter, simpler surfaces where working around things are less of a concern, such as diamond plate.

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

What other items do you need for metal polishing? 

Most people go with a Makita 9237C, Makita GA7021, or DeWalt DWP849X when it comes to polishing machines.

Full Face Respirator  - Don't skimp on these, you don't want metal dust and polishing products in your lungs! This is the best respirator for metal polishing. 

Masking tape is an absolute necessity when high speed polishing.

Makita Random Orbital Sander  - Most popular sander for metal polishers