Power Brush Engineering Guide     

Horsepower Required To Drive Brushes

Four Common Factors Governing the Horsepower Necessary to Drive a Power Brush

1. Brushing pressure required.
2. Resistance between work surface and brush (trim length).
3. Speed of the brush.
4. Brush face width.

Horsepower Approximation Guide
(Based upon the medium brushing action for 1” brush face)

Wider face brushes require additional horsepower dependent upon the relative brush load. Long trim brushes can usually be operated with less horsepower than short trim brushes.

Recommended Surface Speeds for Brushing Applications

Brushing Action
Table of Surface Speeds (Peripheral Speed in Ft./Min.)

Brushing Action
There are many variables in Power Brushing conditions. In many cases, one or more Power Brushes may accomplish the same results; however, if one brush does not accomplish the desired results, follow the suggestions below:

Desired Change in Results
Suggested Change in Brush

Faster Action

• Run brush faster.
• Use heavier wire or filament
• Use brush with shorter trim length
• Use larger diameter brush or increase RPM

Finer Finish
Use finer wire or filament
Try tampico or abrasive nylon filament brush.

Reach Irregular Surface Area
Use Brush with longer trim length for greater flexibility

Shorter Life
Use finer wire and longer trim

Remove Burr Instead Of Roughing or Preening It
Increase brush speed
Use brush with shorter trim
Check brushing pressure to determine if tips are cutting not wiping.

Note: The speed at which the brush rotates is an extremely important factor. (See Table of Surface Speeds).

Portable Tools
The maximum recommended diameter brush to use with electric or air portable tools is 6”.