need your input , please

E

Eric M Ericson

Joined
Jun 29, 2001
Messages
379
I am a cabinet maker, I use sanding disks rated for wood, when I us them on wood they last a long time.

the problem is that when used on metal the don't last long at all

I'm using 12 inch psa,

I need a type of grit, carborundom?, silicon carbide?, other?

and where can I get them?
 
Eric, you and I have the same problem. I do a great deal of woodworking. While I have metal working tools they are for the most part gunsmithing tools and too heavy for 90% of blade building. For my sanders I found that the zirconia pay for the extra cost many times over and make my woodworking sanders (grinders) work very well on knife blades. I buy mine from J&L tools. They cost about twice the aluminum oxide but last 5 times as long.
 
I never cease to be amazed what one can learn here. I've only heard of zirconia in the sense of jewelry, imitation diamonds. Never thought that they might actually be of some use. Maybe that's why some aren't as cheap as other imitation diamond materials??

Thanks guys!
 
My experience with zirconia is that it rounds the grains quickly if you do not use heavy pressure, my preferred mineral is aluminum oxide.
AlO self sharpens under normal pressure and is cheap enough that you do not feel pain when you throw it away.
 
I will side with George on this one. I use AO on just about everything. Because there cheep and I like to always use fresh sharp belts not a belt that has some more life in it.
The onlu exeption is for hogging and profiling I use a AO/ceramic combination belt.
 
To cut down on cost,get some silicon carbide sheets
and use feathering compound they have it at auto parts store
they use it to stick the disc to,I put 90 duro rubber on my disc the n use the feathring compound on it then place a sheet of
the paper up on the disc press then cut around leave about a 1 1/16
over hang on the paper so you can role the conners around the disc
it works like a dream also you can chuck it up in your drill press
and use it is make a great satin finish,
;)
 
I'm with Peter, I use zirconia when hogging and to 220 before heat treating , then I'll use a/o and silicon carbide from 320 to 600. Using a/o for hogging handle material but for metal I can only get 1 blade or so per belt, spend all my time changing belts and thats after the blade has been forged to shape.
Bill;)
 
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