imitation pearl- grinding

[DanL]

I'm getting ready to grind some imitation pearl (plastic, poly?) handles. Are there any problems with loading the belts up with the plastic, my grinder is not variable speed. The reason I ask is that I cut some on a scroll saw and when I was done cutting it was stuck together.

 

[Allen Blade]

HELLO,

i would make sure to use fresh grit belts
and not used belts, as the used belts have a degraded cutting surface and thus promote faster Heat build up. I have ground that material before with no problems usinf fresh belts. Also you can get a Rubber Belt dressing Gizmo that is suppose to Debrade the Ground material out of the Grit of the belt to extend its life...it works alittle bit.

But usally just put Grains of Rubber on your Grinding belt.

Remember that imitation Pearl is just a fancy plastic and as such can tend to Melt and discolor with high heat during cutting or grinding which is caused by worn out band saw blade or belts.

Allen Blade

 

[Phillip Jones]

I have ground this stuff before and everything Allen typed is true.

If you take it slow, don't get it too hot, it is easy to work and finishes great.
If you are worried about loading up the belts, don't go too high a grit and finish up by hand, then buff.

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