Grinding M4

[Big Chris]

I am getting ready to recieve some M4 from AKSand was curious about belt life. I am using a 2x42 Craftsman grinder with 40 grit Zirconium belts. I have currently seen a life of about 3 blades per belt, and the third is pushing it. What kind of life span should I expect from these belts from M4? Getting ready to order more from supergrit and wanted to try and plan how many to order. Thanks guys you have all been very helpful.

Thanks
Chris

 

[forgedblades]

That sounds about right to me. Have you thought of using ceramic belts?

 

[Ban]

I don't find M4 to be all that hard to grind in its annealed state. It grinds like most other cpm steels ie. 3V, cpm154, and s30v. I use ceramic belts so you may have to take that into consideration. After Heat Treat is a whole different story. It is noticeably harder to grind than the above once hardened. Try to finish it as much as you can before HT to save you a bunch of time and grief afterwards.

 

[Big Chris]

Thanks Ban. Never thought about ceramic belts. Is their performance that much better, will they cut the hardened steels better, or just have a longer life?

 

[Danbo]

Thanks Ban. Never thought about ceramic belts. Is their performance that much better, will they cut the hardened steels better, or just have a longer life?

All of the above. Ceramic belts are the way to go. :thumbup: