Clogged belts..

Tom Krein

Tom Krein

Joined
Feb 11, 2003
Messages
1,628
I am working on a batch of 20+ coco bolo handled knives and the 60grit belts I am using to work the handles with keep clogging up. They seem to still be sharp just "glazed" over with coco bolo. I have pushed them a little further by profileing a blade and then going back to the coco bolo but this only works a little. I know that these belts will work great for profiling blades.

My question is do any of you have this problem and what do you do to combat it? Have any of you used those big eraser looking sticks, do they work? Thanks in advance.

Tom
 
The sticks work great Tom, If nothing else use the sole of a rubber shoe in a pinch. I'm back home and getting unpacked still. I'll get that package to you soon.
 
While you're waiting to get the rubber stick, in the mean time use a balled up plastic bag. Its messy but works.

RL
 
I use a lot of cocobolo and I know what you mean about clogged belts. I have used the rubber sticks and they work very well. Recently I ran out of my stick, and I remembered someone a while ago mentioning that they used old tubes of caulking that had hardened up to clean their belts. I had an old tube laying around, so I tried it. It worked better than the eraser sticks. I have also used my shoes. A couple of times when I was desperate I just lifted my foot up onto my bench and gently pushed my foot into the belt. It is amazing how quick the belt will eat right through the shoe.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
Thanks for the response guys. I will have to order in one of the eraser sticks to try as it sounds like they work. I think I will also try some 36 grit belts. The 36 grit belts was what I was actually thinking but was wondering if anyone else was using them. Thanks again.

Tom
 
If the belts will run both dirrections, they won't have the pointers for run dirrection, just turn them around. I've started doing the rough shapeing with a rasp. Much less "design opertunities." (just my name for mistakes!)
Lynn
 
how fast are you running your belts?? Is your machine variable speed?? I use 36 grit to knock out all wood, bone, horn, leather, ect... but I do it at slooooowwwwwwww speeds........ flopflop speeds. No clogging or build up for a long time. You might be heating up the wood too much so as to cause the natural resins and oils to bond to your belt. Me thinks.....

mitch
 
I am actually using a variable speed dozier grinder and have the speed turned down. The belts cut great for quite a while, just no long enough. :D I will try slowing down even more and see what that does. Thanks.

Tom
 
When the wife is not home run them threw the washing machine. If it works let me know.... Cocobola is one of the worst for clogging up belts. I've got a rubber stick but they only seem to do so much.
 
Hi Tom,

The 36 grit belt is the way to go for the roughing phase. I use them regularly with cocobolo, ironwood and african blackwood. It really makes the other belts last longer.

Craig
 
Hey guys, where is everyone getting their rubber stick for belt cleaning now? I used to get a free one with my orders from IndustrialAbrasives.com, but since I no longer use the cheap A/O belts an longer I'm down to my last stick, better start looking for a new source! :)

-Darren
 
As is usuall the inormation was good. I picked up a rubber stick?, and some 36 grit belts from Pop knife supply. I just shaped a couple of coco bolo handles and they worked great. The material just seems to disappear when grinding with the 36 grit belts. The rubber stick really works also. It has more than payed for itself on belt life extended while shaping handles. Thanks guys.

Tom
 
Probalby a bit late here, but Darren, i get mine from a local woodworking shop.
 
Darren Ellis said:
Hey guys, where is everyone getting their rubber stick for belt cleaning now? I used to get a free one with my orders from IndustrialAbrasives.com, but since I no longer use the cheap A/O belts an longer I'm down to my last stick, better start looking for a new source! :)

-Darren
Click to expand...
I got mine here. http://www.supergrit.com/ On larger ordres they usually stick one in.
Larry
 
It took me a while to learn how to use the rubber stick. I no longer bear down with it but just let it lightly glide against the belt. Does the job and doesn't eat up the rubber so quickly. I still have a lot of trouble using it on finer belts, starting at 400 grit. Those instead are loading up with the rubber and when I put the blade against the belt the blade grind gets smeared with rubber; very anoying and for belts finer than 220 grit I just use plastic bags.

RL
 
rlinger said:
It took me a while to learn how to use the rubber stick. I no longer bear down with it but just let it lightly glide against the belt. Does the job and doesn't eat up the rubber so quickly. I still have a lot of trouble using it on finer belts, starting at 400 grit. Those instead are loading up with the rubber and when I put the blade against the belt the blade grind gets smeared with rubber; very anoying and for belts finer than 220 grit I just use plastic bags.

RL
Click to expand...
I've noticed that also when using the finer grit belts. The sticks work great on the coarser grit belts as long as you don't let them heat up to much. A light pass as RL suggests. RL how do you use the plastic bags? Do you ball them up tight?
Scott
 
normaly I lightly drag my hand over the moving belt in the slack area. This will wipe all the rubber balls off the fine grit belts. Also I pick mine up local chain hardware stores or Sears.
 
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