Need Help with belt purchase.

K

Keith Willis

Joined
Oct 24, 2007
Messages
812
I just made a purchase from Tracy.I hope I ordered all I need to get my NWG together.I went with the flat platen,and will work on getting me a wheel.I am now fixing to order me some belts,but I am not sure what will be best to get started with.I have read the section that Tracy has on his site,on belts,and belt selection,but,after looking at the selection on Tru Grit I am really confused.I am wanting to buy some good belts,but I am not able to buy a big selection of the most expensive belts made.

I may be making this harder than what it is,but as you can see,I am lost on where to start.Could someone help me out?

God bless,Keith
 
3@36 - This will hog metal faster than you can cut it on a saw. Great for setting grinds
3@80 - good for ruff in grounds
3@120 - Clean up
3@220 - finishing
3@400 - finishing and sharpen
 
Keith, you're going to find that "expensive" belts are the best money you'll spend on expendables in your shop. A belt that costs twice as much usually cuts three or four times longer than a cheap belt.

Belts are also a very personal thing, kinda like a forging hammer. There is no "best" belt, you and I could both grind on the same grinder and like different belts.

All that being said.... :p Here's what I use/used:
Blaze or 3M 777 for hogging
3m 707 (i think) 120x and 220x
Gators 220-600x
I use film belts for sharpening

I like the "feel" of the 777s better than Blazes but I've used 777s for years, they have a different feel to me. The Blazes eat steel and last forever though.
 
You can't afford to buy cheap belts, get ceramic or green or blue zirconia. cheap belts cut for 30 seconds, good belts last

-Page
 
Will Leavitt said:
Keith, you're going to find that "expensive" belts are the best money you'll spend on expendables in your shop. A belt that costs twice as much usually cuts three or four times longer than a cheap belt.

Belts are also a very personal thing, kinda like a forging hammer. There is no "best" belt, you and I could both grind on the same grinder and like different belts.

All that being said.... :p Here's what I use/used:
Blaze or 3M 777 for hogging
3m 707 (i think) 120x and 220x
Gators 220-600x
I use film belts for sharpening

I like the "feel" of the 777s better than Blazes but I've used 777s for years, they have a different feel to me. The Blazes eat steel and last forever though.
Click to expand...


Took the words right out of my mouth!!
 
The Blaze belts are by far the best thing I have used for heavy stock removal. They don't just last longer than cheaper belts, they grind much faster and with less heat. If you have a decent grinder and are using cheap belts, the Blaze belts may be the single most effective upgrade you can make.
 
I am planning on ordering my belts in the next couple of days,and I will be buying good belts.Thanks to all for the advice.

I am planning to order from Tru-Grit.I have not looked many places,if anyone can suggest a cheaper place to purchase belts,I would appreciate any help.

Thanks again,Keith
 
I live near TruGrit, and had the same question for them about 2 weeks ago.

They worked with me to put together a package of mixed Blaze belts in various grits for metal removal, some finish belts, and importantly, a few belts for handle work. I've been very happy with the selections.

They pointed out the cheap belts work pretty well for handle work and tend to blog the ceramic belts. So you may want to get just a couple cheap belts to try out.

Tait
 
I'm planning on a belt purchase too. I see Tracy offers Blaze 40Y, 60Y, 80Y, and 120Y. Do you guys recommend some of each? Dumb question, but is this 40 grit, 60 grit, etc...?
 
I called Pop's today.I called around 10:00,Pop was not in but he did call when he got off his mail route,he explained it to me,as though I had good sense(although i'm sure he could tell otherwise).Pop was very helpful,and I was able to get a good sellection of belts.

For those of you who know Tracy Mickley,this is not new news,but for those who don't,I just wanted to say,that he is a great guy.I talked him about 4 months ago,and was asking him about the NWG,well at that time,money was short,and I told him that when I was able,I was going to purchase what I needed to build a grinder.Not knowing if I would ever buy anything from him he sent me a set of plans,and did not ask for anything in return.I talked to Tracey on Monday,and purchased what I needed to build my grinder.
I just want to say if anyone is looking for knife supplies and have not looked at his site,take a look and give him try.I know that I will make many more purchases.

God bless,Keith
 
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