Finishing Belts (SB, Leather, etc)

T

TheOTBalisong

Joined
Jun 28, 2012
Messages
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Hello gents, I have a question regarding finishing belts.
I have a Sears 2 x 42, And with the following list of belts I own. (All from Trugrit)
- 36 Grit "Best value ceramic"
- 60 Grit "Best value ceramic"
- 120 Norton Blaze
- 240 Gator
- 400 Gator
-???

The question marks represent what I'm missing.
Although I haven't had a chance to try out any of these belts, I'm looking for a machine satin finish,
one that a scotch-brite belt might leave. The problem is, I haven't been able to find fine SB belts in 2 x 42, and the only other size that will fit is the 1 x 42.
I've heard that a leather belt with compound leaves a good finish.

The question is, should I get a leather belt or a 1" scotch brite instead?

(Also, how good are the "Best Value Ceramics" from Trugrit? Obviously they last less then Norton Blaze or Gator belts, but how bad are they?)
(And yes, I did cut off the shroud covering the bottom wheel, so the thickness of the belts won't be an issue.)

Thanks,
Alex.
 
I have had several of their cheap belts break during use and hit me in the chest... not fun AT ALL!

I think you'll get the best finish from that 400 grit gator belt. It only works if your grinds are even and flat, but it can be very nice.

Scotchbrite belts also do a very good job. I'd have no problem using a 1" wide scotchbrite belt. Get the finest belt you can find. Too rough and it will leave too many scratches for rust to collect.
 
The ceramic belts from Supergrit in 2x42 are a much longer lasting belt than the ceramics from Trugrit. I never had much luck with finer grit gators on the 2x42, it just moved too fast. There are SB belts for the 2x42. Seems like they're called "surface conditioning" on one or both of the supplier's sites. I don't think they're labeled "scotch brite."

I did quite a few machine finishes on the 2x42 with 160 then 400 gator, then fine SB. Your 240 gator then 400 gator will work.
 
Thanks for the input, guys.
What should I do with my Best Value's now?
Should I attempt to still use them?

Thanks.
 
Keep using them. I've found they will tell you just before they break. On mine, when the belt starts to make a sound and wabble violently, take it off and inspect it.

Really, it only happens on the ones they have/had on clearance. Use them as long as you can to get your money's worth. I've had some from them that were good.
 
Just a thought but why not finish by hand? You can pick up SB pads anywhere and I personally like the look of the grain running the length of the blade.
 
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