Grinding Belt Inventory

[banjo_art]

I have just ordered a 2 x 72 KMG Grinder and would like to know what assortment of belts the knife makers have on hand in your shop to handle a wide range of knife jobs.

Also I'd like to know the best place to buy, ie. quality for a fair price.

Thanks
--Art

 

[David Loukides]

Welcome to the Forum Art
In the Begining I used ALuminum Oxide in 60 120 220 grits by 3M or Norton
Buying 10 at a time will get you a small price break.
Now I use 36 grit to a 6 Trizak. Keeping 10 new of each on one rack and good used ones on an other rack. Using old or damage belts Are not worth the risk!!!:thumbdn: :thumbdn: :thumbdn:
I figure you are just setting up shop so I just stuck to the basics.

 

[JCaswell]

I use 36, 120, 220 and 320 the most on a 2x72. You'll probably find that you're courser grits (36 for roughing and 80 or 120) do the most work. (I get a lot of life out of 220s and 320s.)
[Yes, I know 36 to 80 or 120 seems like a big leap, but 80 and 120 move metal fast enough that I've never felt the need for anything in between. 36 cleans up fine with 120).
I don't like using grits finer than 320 on a belt grinder, but others do, so that's up to your personal approach.

Get top-quality belts especially in the coarser grits. Don't load up on junk. I'd rather have fewer top-line belts than a ton of cheap junk.

 

[Toxey]

I agree with all Mr. Caswell said.Although I have only just finished my first 2 knives.The aluminum oxide belts dont hold a candle to the higher quality belts.
I cant remember who makes the finer grits I use,but I like the Norton hoggers in the rougher grits,They really hold up well.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Take what you spent on that grinder and send it to Klingspor. They will send you a box of belts to last a month or two.
Seriously, You save a lot buying in quantity. Klingspor makes a line of knife making belts that are excellent. They offer 30% discount on larger orders,lesser discounts on smaller ones. Buy the best quality belts you can get,they pay for themselves by lasting longer.
www.klingspor.com ,or call 1-800-932-9990 and ask for the guy that handles the orders for belts for knifemakers (I think his name is John?) .He will send you a special knife belt price list.He can explain any questions as to belt types,backing weights,etc.They will make belts for any size machine at no extra charge ,just the belt material. Got a home built that uses 91.75X2.65 belts - no problem. Order them in fives or tens and they will be make up and delivered in three to five days.I have a friend who owns a restaurant. He has a Hobart knife sharpener (basically a small belt sander) that uses 26"X1-3/8" belts.Nobody but Hobart has them,and Hobart wants $75 for six belts. I got ten in 280 grit, ten in 400,and ten in 600 for $48 total. They were made up in two days from 310 (SC) X weight material.A typical order for for me is 75 assorted belts ,all top grade CZ and ceramic,including 36grit YY cubic hoggers, is only $370 delivered. Real good folks to deal with. They will sell you $20 or $2000.....and be just as nice either way.
Stacy

 

[JCaswell]

I use a lot of Klingspor and consider their 36 grit top-line belt a good value. I also like 3M Regalite belts.

---Come to think of it, I'm going to be needing some finer belts, 9-inch stick-on discs (which are very good from Klingspor too) and a couple new "Scotchbrite" wheels. Maybe I can put it off 'til AFTER Christmas.

 

[Ilovetoolsteel]

When I order belts I get 30, 50 grit and 10 each 100, 220,320 grit.

I find that I use the coarse belts about 3x as fast as the other grits.