This is a specialized item, so they’re probably easier to find online than in a store. Many buffing wheel manufacturers also produce their own rakes, so check with the company that made your buffing wheel if you don’t know where to start. Wheel rakes range from about $15-40.
Always check the user manual for your buffing wheel to confirm the correct speed. Different products might require a different speed for cleaning.
If the surface of the wheel isn’t even, press the rake against the outermost section. Then you can gradually grind that down to make it even with the lower sections. If you have trouble holding the rake against the wheel, try bracing your forearms against the table that the wheel is on. This gives you a better foundation to hold the rake with.
Depending on how dirty the wheel is, the cleaning could take 1-5 minutes. The wheel will also lighten as you grind away the polishing compound. Don’t be surprised if it’s still black or gray in places, though. The fibers are probably stained, but this doesn’t mean that the wheel is still dirty.
Check especially along the edges of the wheel. The fibers here typically fray during the cleaning process.
If the wheel still looks like it has some loose fibers on it, try running it at a fast speed instead.
The wheel’s work zone is its lower front quadrant. If the wheel were divided in half with a straight line coming out of the center towards you, the work zone is the area beneath the line. Sanding belts are easily available online or from hardware stores. Support the belt under your arm and fold it into an edge to hold against the wheel.
Always check your buffer’s instruction manual for the correct cleaning speed. In most cases, you would use the normal buffing speed, but some products may be different.
Change sandpaper sections if the piece you’re using gets too covered in dirt.
Don’t over-sand your wheel after it’s clean. You’ll grind away the wheel and it won’t last as long. The whole cleaning process should only take about 2 minutes, and probably less.
