3M 237AA Trizact Cloth Belt, 2 in x 48 in a30 vs a100

[danguerrera1]

Hello all, I currently use the a30 that needs replacing. But what is readily available to me now is the a100. I use the a30 for putting a new edge on a used curved horse hoof knifes, and finish them up on muslin wheels with various compounds. These knives are used for absolute abuse in my farrier world and my wheels do a great job of finishing up for the super sharp edge. My question is what will the difference be in using the a30 versus the a100? Your answers are very much appreciated. I'm not making jewelry, I'm just keeping my work tools usable, so shiny finishes are not important, just the edge.

 

[Ironbut]

Hi, and welcome.

We have a Maintenance, Tinkering, and Embellishment thread with a "sticky" that has an abrasives scale at the link below. I see the Trisact cloth listed. If I'm reading the scale correctly, it looks like there are basically four grades between a30 & a100, so theoretically, initial sharpening with the a100 will take a bit longer, but it will put a less toothy edge on the blade than with a30, and it will polish up more quickly. Sound about right?

Abrasives in Micron Scale (GLGC) revision 14 (2022)

Revision 14 is live. See the README for details and license. Feel free to comment on style or content, and please let me know if you find any errors. The previous revision resides at https://myplace.frontier.com/~mr.wizard/GLGC/ for visual comparison. I am embedding in WebP format below for a...

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[danguerrera1]

Thanks Ironbut. You are right. the A 100 is. not the way to go. I called 3M and they said at the most, use an A45 Sadly the 237aa a30 is a special order product and they want to sell t,hem in bulk. Im a humble farrier and need the 2x48inch belt to sharpen my hoof knives, or find a different machine. IM still on the hunt! Thanks for your help the chart is most helpful.