Fine Grit Belts - 3M 307EA Trizact A16 vs. 372L 15 micron

Erin Burke

Erin Burke

KnifeMaker...ish
Joined
May 19, 2003
Messages
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Has anyone ever tried 3M 372L 15 micron belts? I am looking for a good 1000-grit equivalent. I generally buy my belts from Pops, and he sells both the 3M 307EA Trizact A16 and the 372L 15 micron belts. I have been using the 307EA Trizact A45 (~400 grit) and they seem pretty decent, so I imagine the A16 belt would be decent quality as well. But the 372L belts are quite a bit cheaper. Anyone have feedback on these belts?

Erin
 
I haven't used any real belts (1x30's don't count) but I have heard nothing but good about Norax, and every time I've asked Tracy a question, he's been able to give me a thorough answer, explaining it in newbie language that I can understand.

Sorry I can't help you with your question about the 3m belts though.
 
The A16 belts lasts forever. You will probably be able to do 80 to 100 mediumsized blades on one belt so the cost is no real issue for me. They are also available in an A6 which is 3000# equivalent. I have not used the A6 yet but you won't be sorry if you try the A16.
 
On the Edge said:
The A16 belts lasts forever. You will probably be able to do 80 to 100 mediumsized blades on one belt so the cost is no real issue for me. They are also available in an A6 which is 3000# equivalent. I have not used the A6 yet but you won't be sorry if you try the A16.
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Wow, not my experience. Mostly I grind on a glass platen though, possibly that matters. I prefer Norax X16 to the A16. Just my thought. I buy from Tracy or True Grit.

It'd be interesting to learn your experience should you end up comparing them all.
 
ddavelarsen said:
Wow, not my experience. Mostly I grind on a glass platen though, possibly that matters. I prefer Norax X16 to the A16. Just my thought. I buy from Tracy or True Grit.

It'd be interesting to learn your experience should you end up comparing them all.
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I grind mostly on polyurethane coated wheels and these belts really lasts long. I have not tried the Norax X16 but I have heard good things from them. Maybe speed is also a factor. I have a variable speed grinder and use these belts only at real slow speeds.
As you said, a comparison would be real interesting.
 
You're right, I should have mentioned belt speed. Like you the higher the grit the slower I run the machine. I'll have to pay more attention to how the belts last on the contract wheel to see if it seems like they last longer. I often hear of people getting more life out of their belts than I do though. But I'm sure it's not me. :D
 
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