1" x 30" Felt Belt -> Testers needed!

A_T_P said:
Absolutely! I'll get in touch with you once they're ready from production.
Click to expand...
Thanks. I will just leave my shipping address here for you and please feel free to contact me and will give a full report! ——Westside Sharpening 1223 Wilshire Blvd Suite 1540 Santa Monica, Ca, 90403
 
A_T_P said:
Thanks everyone who's been in contact with me. More 2" x 72" belts are in production as we speak and I anticipate them to be done early next week. I'll get in touch with everyone who inquired about that size to get shipping addresses when complete. Thanks again! -Andy
Click to expand...

Thank you. My info is callmestorm@hotmail.com and Storm Wutzke 1 Schuyler Rd Nyack N.Y. 10960
 
what will the belts be good for ? sharpening or final polish as they are, or should they be loaded with compound ?
 
john april said:
what will the belts be good for ? sharpening or final polish as they are, or should they be loaded with compound ?
Click to expand...

We've had most people use them for sharpening, but there have been a few who like the results for a final polish (depending on what end result they're looking for). It is recommended to use compound with this belt.
 
Some basic info on felt belts and wheels:
Most folks I know use green chrome on them. They are white to start, but turn black when used because of the metal oxides. This is normal.

They are great for getting a polished edge, and will strop a blade to an amazing sharpness. They are softer than a leather belt, and leave a microscopically convexed edge. Some feel this is stronger than the "wicked edge" left by a hard leather flat strop. I do my sashimi knives on one as the last strep in sharpening.

I don't regularly hollow grind .... and I hate mirror polished blades .... but felt belts are good for getting a final polish on that combo. Use them on the same wheel used to make the hollow grind.

Some tips for felt belts and wheels:
When not in use, store them in a Zip-lock bag. The felt will easily trap stray grit and that can cause scratches to appear when using the belt.

Before using a felt belt/wheel vacuum up the grinder and area around it. This will remove grit that normally sits on the grinder arms and benchtop. Also, clean your hands and/or change gloves when switching to the felt belt.

Use the least amount of tension needed to make the belt run smoothly. Too much tension will damage the belt.

Run felt belts SLOW. Do NOT leave on the grinder when not in use.

Charge with green chrome or other fine polish compound while running. Use enough polish, but don't overload the felt.

Even though they are a bit pricey, consider them a consumable like other belts and wheels. They will wear out in time. When wobbly or damaged, discard them and use a new felt belt.

If using different grade compounds in finishing, you will need a different belt for each grade polish compound. MARK the bags with the compound type to avoid errors.

Unlike cloth wheels and belts, there is no simple way to clean off or dress a felt belt/wheel, so consider all the above when using one.
 
Question for ATP:
Can your belts be run slightly wet. I use felt for polishing stone and some other things that need to be moist to polish effectively. I usually wet the felt wheels, the charge with the polishing compound to make a slurry. I have done this with felt belts in the past with mixed results. If your belts were used on a wet grinder with a very low mist, would the joint hold up?
 
Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith said:
Question for ATP:
Can your belts be run slightly wet. I use felt for polishing stone and some other things that need to be moist to polish effectively. I usually wet the felt wheels, the charge with the polishing compound to make a slurry. I have done this with felt belts in the past with mixed results. If your belts were used on a wet grinder with a very low mist, would the joint hold up?
Click to expand...

I haven't heard of anyone running them wet, so I wouldn't recommend it. If I had to guess though I would think the joint would still hold up, though I can't be certain.
 
I would be in for a 2x72. Would love to try it and get rid of my current final step in sharpening.
 
I used mine for the first time last night and think I will like it. I will try do a better review as I get more time to use it.
 
Not sure if this is still an open offer, but I would also be in for trying out one of them in 2x72". They sound like they'd be perfect for stropping.

If so, my email is: coldsteelburns @ gmail . com

Also, welcome to Blade Forums ;)

~Paul
My Youtube Channel
... (It's been a few years since my last upload)
 
Mine arrived and I am waiting for some technical data before trying it out this weekend. It looks interesting. Not wool felt, but a synthetic mesh to carry the polish comound.
 
got my 2x72 belt in the other day, just got to try it out yesterday. First impressions are that it is as you say Stacy, more of a synthetic felt (def. not wool), and thicker than the ones that I get at supergrit - does seem more durable at this point.

During use it polishes really well, clean and consistent with the compound they sent. So far (may just need more breaking in) it did not work for a final edge strop - would not bring out the sharpness - had to switch to leather to do this. Time will tell...
 
fbqjEyf.jpg


0mP4b5P.jpg

I used it to buff these handles last night as well as giving the blades a bit of a shine. I really liked it. Especially since I don't have space for a buffer right now. I will purchase more. Last night I really would have loved to have had multiple belts so I could run other grits of polish. I just used a bar of white compound. Was there anything special about the compound that was sent? What will be the pricing on these? Will they be carried by anyone? I buy most of my belts through pops, it would be great to have one stop shopping to save on shipping. Is it possible to check if these can be run wet like Stacy asked?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top