Fine grit 1x42 belts?

S

Sword and Shield

Joined
Apr 3, 2004
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I got a 1x42 Delta belt sander for my birthday, and have already knocked out a decent little knife with it. I used an Old Hickory butcher as the steel, the scales are bloodwood rubbed with mineral oil.

Here she is, by the way. Be gentle. It's my first time. ;)
bloodwood001.jpg

bloodwood004.jpg

bloodwood003.jpg


Unfortunately, the finest belt I can find at Sears or anything similar is 180 grit. I'd really like to polish this one a bit, along with future pieces. Where can I find finer grits?
 
Jantz supply had 1x42 micron belts I believe. Pop's has them listed up to 400 or 600. E-bay is loaded with them too.
 
supergrit.com has black s.c. belts up to 800 grit and cork belts as well for 1X42, could also get some 2x42 and split them
 
To avoid rounded edges and the deep scratch lines, hand sand after the initial grinding. Use a block of hard wood or Micarta to back Wet-or-Dry paper. Sand to above 800 grit (it comes up to 2500 at most auto shops) for a good finish, higher if you want it to look polished. Sanding the handle down to at least 400 grit is also important to keep the stain from making darker lines.Sand ALL the marks away from the coarser grit before moving to the next grit, or the scratch lines will show back up in the final stages.

In the beginning ( and really always) it is best to hand sand the blade to make the surfaces bright and FLAT. Even the best grinder and platen will not match hand sanding.
Stacy
 
Stacy's right the machine are good but nothing beats hand sanding.
 
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