The longest buffing adapter for the lathe for a long time was less than 4" long and worked on a M-2 taper. Not very deep for most bowls and it was difficult to keep the adapter attached to the lathe. Jim Driskell created an adapter that screwed onto the lathe thus providing more stability. As it was only 3.75"
long it was still lacking in depth. When Jim wanted to go into commercial distribution he began with the 3.75" threaded extensions under the name "Wood N Things". They caught on very well. As Rockler was the first to take on the line, the adapters were anodized with Rockler blue and are still blue. 
Not to long after that I had Jim have his machinist make an 8" adapter for me to use on deeper vessels. It worked well and production began on these shortly thereafter.
About 3 years ago Jim sold the Wood N Things Buffing System to me. I was thrilled to have it as an addition to our line of lathe accessories.
It has not been possible until recently for to get an adapter longer that 8" at a reasonable price for the turner. Recently I located a machining company that could do just that.
We are now able to get 12" adapters to you in 3 of the most popular sizes. 
The first is 1.25" x 8 tpi. Around Jan 1, 2010 the 1" x 8 tpi and 33 mm x 3.5 mm will be available in 12"
The first is 1.25" x 8 tpi. Around Jan 1, 2010 the 1" x 8 tpi and 33 mm x 3.5 mm will be available in 12"These adapters are as accurate as our 8". The run out on them is between .0005 and .002.
All Wood N Things buffing adapters are made from 6061-T6511 high quality extruded aluminum.
The 1 x 8 x 8" adapters are 1 3/8" diameter.
The 1.25 8 x 8" adapters are 1 5/8" in diameter as are the 33 mm.
All of the 12" adapters will be 1 5/8" in diameter.
As with all of the other adapters the other end is tapped at 3/8-16 thread to accommodate all Wood N Things buffs as well as most others.
The nearest competing adapter is about 6 3/4" long and cost more than our 12".
Be Well,
Don
