New Life For Ceramic Belts

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westlind

Joined
Aug 31, 2007
Messages
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Hey everyone. I want to share a little trick I found some time back and I probably am not the first to do this. I like the new ceramic type abrasives and am partial to the Norton Blaze belts but they do not break down and become rather "dull" after a few blades. I take a diamond dressing tool (not a paid Bladeforums Dealer member) and rake across the moving belt. Use a light, fast stroke. The diamond breaks the abrasive down. I also flip the belt around after I do this as then the abrasive is running the opposite direction. I actually use my belts clear down to the backing. The pressure and speed you use to run the diamond across is something you will have to play with, just don't do too much at first or you will take too much off. Also, wear the appropiate safety equiptment as particles will be flying off the belt!! Stay Sharp, Dan
 
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This is an interesting idea. I think you would be well served by buying a multiple-point diamond to do this, it will make it much easier, as well as more consistent. What I would also recommend is you try the new 3M abrasive that is similar to the SG Blaze from Norton, from what my MSC guy says, his customers that have used both are strongly in favor of the new 3M stuff. I think it was Cubitron 2 or TriZact 2. I remember it was something 2, but not which, haha. I'm supposed to be getting some free samples soon. You might be able to get some from MSC also if you regularly purchase there. My machine shop orders a lot of our industrial supplies from there, so we get some good breaks.
 
Dan, welcome to the forum! For those who are unfamiliar with Mr. Westlind's work, I urge you to have a look. He's not only a great knifemaker, he's a helluva guy as well.
-Mark
 
Thanks Dan. I used a similar trick to get my Gator belts cutting again, but never thought of trying a diamond on the Blaze belts. Cool.
-M
 
I bought mine from ENCO but they can be had at MSC, McMaster Carr, and many other places. If you google "diamond dressing tool" you will come up with more hits than you know what to do with.

Thanks for the tip Dan, I will have to give this one a shot.
 
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