How do I get the green compound to stick to leather strop??

J

Justin209

Joined
Jan 11, 2012
Messages
10
Hi everyone. I just purchased a 1x42 kalamazoo belt sander and i am having problems getting the green compound to stick to the leather strop. It just crumbles bad. I tried heating it with a hairdryer but that didnt help much either. Is there an easier way? Maybe only on a hot day?
 
Hello,

I had the same problem. I lightly sanded the belt with some 600 grit sandpaper and it worked out well. Im not sure if thats the proper way to do it but it worked out for me and didnt damage the belt.

Have a good one,

Chris
 
I might try that if noone has an easier alternative. Thanks :-) I thougt maybe i should have used the rough side of the belt but ive seen a lot of people are using smooth side so i donno.
 
Well, and remember, the amount you need is VERY little. You can barely see it on the belt when you have just the right amount. A light sanding can condition the belt as well, if needed, but mine took just fine as-is. Of course, then I upgraded to the Hand American CrO semi-paste, which goes on and STAYS. :)
 
Komitadjie said:
Well, and remember, the amount you need is VERY little. You can barely see it on the belt when you have just the right amount. A light sanding can condition the belt as well, if needed, but mine took just fine as-is. Of course, then I upgraded to the Hand American CrO semi-paste, which goes on and STAYS. :)
Click to expand...

IME, the paste is far easier to use.
 
Agreed, the paste goes on easily and just STAYS there once you've got it on. I've only applied mine once so far, and done probably 50 knives with it. No sign of needing more yet, the belt is still polishing very well.
 
I was just going to say, I think the paste is the right one.

Those compound crayons are made to go onto wheels, not leather.

sisal2.jpg
 
^ That!

And I use the .5u CrO, although I would really be better to use the 1u Boron Carbide first, THEN the .5u.
 
Since you already have the compound "crayon", you can make it into a very effective "paste" by scraping it with any sharp edge. I use the spine of a Mora and collect the shavings into a bowl. Mix it with a thin oil (wd 40 or CLP... doesn't matter) and mix it with your finger until the compound dissolves into a paste.

Then spread the paste onto your leather. In less than 30 minutes the oil will absorb into the leather leaving only a very nice smooth layer of compound on your strop.


It works great... try it.
 
Awesome thanks! Im going to try that tomorrow. So im loving this way of sharpening! Ive been sharpening everything for the last 2 days and getting a great edge on everything. Still not always able to push cut paper but kinda works from time to time. I go from 400 alum carbide to 600 to 1000 all x weight belts then green compound on strop. That sound right? I also have black magic and white compounds but havent used those yet.
 
Sounds like a pretty good setup to me for starting out, anyway! It's really hard to argue with the kind of results you get with a belt, isn't it? :D

I have the Kalamazoo also, and use 'er on everything. Even after I'm done sharpening with the EdgePro, I often go to the Kalamazoo to power-strop with the .5u CrO as a final step.
 
kdstrick said:
Since you already have the compound "crayon", you can make it into a very effective "paste" by scraping it with any sharp edge. I use the spine of a Mora and collect the shavings into a bowl. Mix it with a thin oil (wd 40 or CLP... doesn't matter) and mix it with your finger until the compound dissolves into a paste.

Then spread the paste onto your leather. In less than 30 minutes the oil will absorb into the leather leaving only a very nice smooth layer of compound on your strop.


It works great... try it.
Click to expand...


Ok so i scraped off the green compound and made a paste using wd40 and it worked great!! Went on smooth side of belt even and smooth. Thanks! Im thinking of doing the same thing with another belt with my white compound. The white compound is finer than green right? The compound brand is jacksonlea.
thanks again!
 
Komitadjie said:
Sounds like a pretty good setup to me for starting out, anyway! It's really hard to argue with the kind of results you get with a belt, isn't it? :D

I have the Kalamazoo also, and use 'er on everything. Even after I'm done sharpening with the EdgePro, I often go to the Kalamazoo to power-strop with the .5u CrO as a final step.
Click to expand...

Thanks i love it! I wanted something good to sharpen knives that was ameture friendly. After looking at the worksharp knife sharpener, i ended up spending hours in cyberspace reading and researching the best sharpening devices. Youtube vids etc... I landed on this setup. A little pricey but not really considering its prob a one time purchase and now all i have to buy are belts and compounds. Plus im not afraid to sharpen my expensive knives anymore!
 
Right after writing my last message, I finally took the time to go and order the 1u BC as well. So hopefully I'll have that to play with in the next week or so too. :D

I guess I'm just really lovin' mine. I can sharpen anything from an axe or a machete to a small folder with no trouble at all, and it's so EASY to get a really great edge. I think you'll find very little disagreement that for all-around use the belt is pretty darn hard to beat. The paper wheels, well used, can give a run for the money with final edge, they both do great, but the real strength of the belt lies in the ability to swap down to a ~50-grit belt and re-grind a broken off tip or do severe re-profiling or chip repair in a VERY short time. A job that would take a very coarse waterstone and a lot of time takes seconds on the belt.

Glad to hear you're enjoying yours too!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top