Abstract: An electric buffing machine and a method buffing waxed floors are disclosed. The buffing machine comprises a molded plastic housing, a foldable handle and a DC drive motor directly driving a buffing pad holder. The pad is movable into and out of engagement with the floor by a pad lifter mechanism which raises and lowers the pad holder along a splined drive shaft of the drive motor. The pad lifter mechanism comprises a reversible motor mounted to the housing and connected to the pad holder by means of a threaded output shaft which supports a lifter arm rotatably connected to the pad holder. Rotation of the threaded shaft in one direction or the other moves the lifter arm into which the shaft is threaded together with the pad holder and pad up or down relative to the floor. By observing the current draw of the drive motor, control of pad pressure may be achieved. The pad holder design provides a directed air flow into the housing to collect dust, dirt and debris generated by the buffing operation.

Abstract: A one-piece dual durometer pad holder for use in a floor buffing machine has an outer radial portion and an inner radial portion. The outer radial portion is made from a first hardenable material having a first durometer hardness in its hardened state, and the inner radial portion is made from a second material having a second durometer hardness in its hardened state, with the second durometer hardness being less than the first durometer hardness. The outer and inner radial portions are interconnected in such fashion as to prevent shear failure between the two portions. The method of making the floor pad holder includes spin casting the outer radial portion from the first harden- able material, and then, while the first hardenable material is in its unhardened state, spin casting the second hardenable material in a single spinning operation. The materials are allowed to cure at the same time, forming a smooth and continuous bond between the two durometer portions of the pad holder.