I was reading some of the tongue in cheek responses about the electric hoof buffers on another thread, and wondered if they are legal to use in AFA contests. I know the feet are critiqued for finish, but wondered if there were parameters on what's legal to use. I've never been to one of these contests. I saw the tool for sale at some of the farrier suppliers and it seemed like a neat tool...I was glad to see some of ya'll use them, and they're not just a gimmick.

The use of power tools at an AFA certification is at the discretion of the Examiner.

rafterp2003 wrote: For years the clean up was with a rasp. Then sanding blocks used for Dry wall and little less rasping to finish. Then my girl "Buffy", the only rasping now at finish it to cut under the clevos and knock off the bump of the clinch.
I even use it to dress down the wall if need due to flares.

All this depends on the horse.

I am aware that there has been a positive evolution of the trim and dressing of the hoof, however the disturbing of the periople finish I still keep to a minimum. This "buffer" tool surely is not meant for the whole surface of the hoof, is it? Obviously I'm not familiar with this tool and would appreciate a photo of it. I'll be sitting down when I read the reply in case the answer to it's use is the whole surface .

John Emsley wrote:


Oh yeah, use some fine paper and this badboy smooths up the whole hoof. I dont have one, but have been considering getting one. I mean the guy down the road who get 225 a head uses one. I put that in my truck I'll be makeing the big bucks.

.. But seriously I have been considering one.

-Josh

Ive also heard of people useing one of these flap wheels..





And why do the english call a clinch cutter a hoof buffer? This never made sense to me.

I use one to prep for glue on shoes. At least that is the idea, but after spooking a few horses I use the rasp as many times as the buffer.

i just use the rasp nothing else
if you practice useing the rasp i think

its the best finish

smitty88 wrote: Been there done that, arm tired, time short, to hot, etc., etc., etc.....

Jaye Perry wrote:
you must be getting soft Jaye

smitty88 wrote: Mostly , just tired.
With most new helpers they do it the the old fashioned way, rasp and rasp and rasp. I also make them learn to hammer clinch and they do that the first 3 months instead of using clinchers. A lot of guys that visit do not even know how to; it's a handy method for the "Big Ones".

yep this job can be hard on the body
i use the hammer clinch most all the

time could not get to like the clincher
even on youngsters


maybe im old fashioned

I tried "buffy" a couple of times it ,the tool just didn't impress me, I still use my rasp for the complete finish, if the customer wants sanded hooves I use a 4" finish sander and four grits of paper the last being 400 grit, but it costs $12.00 per hoof xtra. clenchers are a different story, the Diamond Adjustables were the cats' no matter what size animal. Could I live without them ,sure, but they do make work easier for me.

Regards

Ray Steele

smitty88 wrote: Nah, just happy with the way you do things. Efficient for your style and applications.
There is a happy medium between "Old" methods and "New" modalities, for me, what ever it takes to get the horse shod efficiently.

I had a Buffy attachment. Gave it away to another farrier. I use a Savedge finish rasp - leaves a gloss on the foot. Also use the drywall sanding sponges before applying Ed Martin's hoof coating.

How do you fit the Buffy and the drill in your shoeing box? It's sort of bulky compared to a finish rasp . . . and then you have to remember to charge your batteries . . . or carry an extension cord for your drill . . . then you have to have an air pump for the sanding drum . . .