gonna need belts, but what kind?

kevin adams · May 30, 2008

hi all, ran into a little bit of a windfall, and i'm going to need some belts for my new coote, but i'm not sure best kinds and what grits to get , I have about 50 bucks or so for em, and would like to get most bang for my buck as it were, also can anyone reccomend a great all around pair of tongs?

David Schott · May 30, 2008

Norton BLAZE belts are hands-down the best belts I've ever owned, but they are pricey at between 7-9$ per belt. That being said, I have never thrown away a belt. They seem to last forever, even if they get worn down they still seem to cut. When they are new, they eat steel like no other belt i've used. No sparks, just a steady strem of grindings coming off the steel.

I'd get a few of those in 50-120 grit, then get a bunch of cheaper 220-600 belts for finish work.

kevtan · Jun 1, 2008

David Schott said:
Norton BLAZE belts are hands-down the best belts I've ever owned, but they are pricey at between 7-9$ per belt. That being said, I have never thrown away a belt. They seem to last forever, even if they get worn down they still seem to cut. When they are new, they eat steel like no other belt i've used. No sparks, just a steady strem of grindings coming off the steel.

I'd get a few of those in 50-120 grit, then get a bunch of cheaper 220-600 belts for finish work.

If I might inquire, from where to get the Norton BLAZE and what grits do you suggest. Thank you.

jll346 · Jun 1, 2008

$50 is not getting you much as far as belts. Go to Tracy's web site (http://www.usaknifemaker.com/) and get some Norton Norzon belts. They are a middle of the road belt that word well for not much $$.

Rob! · Jun 1, 2008

Gto www.trugit.com

For steel get 60 and 120g Norton 981 or 961 (ceramic - AKA Hoggers)

Follow with Norax A100, A65, A30

Hand sand after that.

For wood, any flexible j weight A/O belt is good. I recommend hand sanding after 220g.

Your $50 will get you one of each of the above. The finer grits will have to be replaced more often.

As the song says "You got to know when to hold 'em. Know when to fold 'em'" Trying to squeeze more out of a dead belt will harm both your work and your sanity. You'll know when it's time. You won't want to admit it - but you'll know.

Rob!

JTknives · Jun 2, 2008

last time i ordered belts i droped around $300. the blaze belts are by far the best. i hog with 60 grit then jump to a 220 then 400 J flex belt. then i go to 400 then 600 gator (trizac) belts.

kevin adams · Jun 2, 2008

wow, alrighty, thanks all, looks like im gonna need a bit more scratch!, lol no pun intended, but again thank you for the info , ill be getting some good belts soon!

Omega Leather Works · Jun 2, 2008

Nice KR parody! I have been using (Im sure) Nortons finest (cheapest) belts acquired from the finest (big lots) available in the land... 80 is the biggest rock I can find glued to a piece of tissue in my recent price range. That will change soon though, Im movin on up, gonna try some of them blaze belts I been hearin about all my life. Woot cant wait (!)!!!!!!!!!!

Striga gonna keel over if these work better than a buttered piece--a-string like I been a usein as of late