Grinding Belts

T

Tinker Simpleton

Joined
Jan 13, 2006
Messages
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FIRST! This website is why the web was created. I've lurked on this site on and off for a few years and I continue to be amazed by the wealth of knowldege and absolute friendliness every single time I log on.

So, I made a couple of knives a couple of years ago and have decided to pick it up again (my dad bought me a motor and plans for a grinder for Christmas). I'm building a 2 x 72 and am getting close to being done. I'm ready to order belts but am not sure brands, grits, etc. to start with. Why experiment when I can ask you guys?!!

I've got ATS-34 steel I'm working with and want to know what kind of belts I should get to bevel and finish the blades?

Thanks again for all your help.
 
Good luck with your grinder job, it is really rewarding effort. I have cheap blue-zircona belts, all I can say I'm absolutely unhappy with them. I heard Norton Blaze belts are very good. Also most of the people uses 3M 977's. I would advise that do buy one from each and experiment. The grinding style differs maker to maker and optimum belt type differs depending to this style...
 
Norton Blaze, that all you need to know. They last for a long long long time. I use 60, 80 and 120. Get a couple of each and it will last a while. I can do at least 8 drop points up to 8" in length with one belt.

You can really use them even longer but metal gets real hot.
 
galadduin said:
I would advise that do buy one from each and experiment. The grinding style differs maker to maker and optimum belt type differs depending to this style...
Click to expand...

I agree with galadduin. I've found out the hard way that you don't want to buy a whole bunch of belts of one kind until you've made a couple knives using them. I'd buy a couple of each and see how they perform. I've recently seen the light and am doing just that.
Later,
Iz
 
Nahh,just buy the good stuff!!

What i have found works best is: 3m 977 cubitron in 50,120 grit. i then use 3m-ite belts in 240 and 400 grit.these are all x-weight belts so it takes some work getting used to shaping plunges ect. i found thart those yellow j-flexx belts are great for plunges but i seem to get a 2" dip with those.

start with the best,then experiment with the cheap stuff.you'll soon realize why i said this.
 
Pops knife supplies http://www.popsknifesupplies.com/

He is a small outfit that a lot of us here use. I use him a lot. You can always call him and tell him what you're doing and he'll make specific recommendations and even build an order for you of stuff to try out. He is an easy fellow to talk to and he is priced right and his website works.
 
Once you get the gators its hard to use anything else, and they eliminate a lot of steps you have to take with other belts..
 
I agree with Nathan, call Pop and ask for his advice. I try to get all of my belts from him, it helps that he's got good prices.
 
I grind a lot of blades (5000+/- per year) for Chris Reeve Knives.
For roughing out I like the Norton Blaze belts.
Finer than 120 grit I usually go with Norax (from Norton) X100(150 grit) & X45(320 or 360 grit?).
For polishing I use Klingspor and Hermes 400-800 cork with Granger white buffing compound.
Pop's and Tru Grit both take good care of me.
 
nifegrinder said:
I grind a lot of blades (5000+/- per year) for Chris Reeve Knives.
For roughing out I like the Norton Blaze belts.
Finer than 120 grit I usually go with Norax (from Norton) X100(150 grit) & X45(320 or 360 grit?).
For polishing I use Klingspor and Hermes 400-800 cork with Granger white buffing compound.
Pop's and Tru Grit both take good care of me.
Click to expand...


I'm curious. Is any of that automated or done with jigs, or is it all free hand?

*sitting here with a little Mnandi in my pocket that perhaps you ground?*
 
I am using Blaze and Klingspor blue zirconia belts (more expensive than the Nortons, but the QC seems to be better) for the grits up to 120. With Blaze, you can use 50-60 grit on steel the same way that you would use a 36-40 grit in zirconia or other common abrasive. I still buy 36 and 40 grit zirconias for handles. For flexible light belts in 120, 220 and 400, I have the yellow Klingspors and the blue-gray Hermes belts. The blue-gray Hermes belts are quite good, unlike their large grit red AO belts which are garbage IMO.
 
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