Ordering my first 2x72 belts... How many of various grits?

B

Bobbybirds

Joined
Aug 17, 2012
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Hey guys...

I know it is probably a bit different for everyone, but I am trying to figure out what quantities of which grits I will find I am using in relation to each other?

I am planning on starting with 60 and 120 grit ceramics, and then using 320, 500 and 800 grit in AO's. Well I find I will be going through say only one 60 ceramic to every 2 or 3 320's (as an example)? I have been using a lot of 1084 and 1095 steels up until now and have been bevelling prior to heat treating (using a little 1x42 with a 1/2 hp motor), but I will be starting to experiment with more stainless varieties as well as grinding post heat treat.

I was thinking about order 10 each of the 60 and 120 ceramics and then 20 each of the 320 and higher. Is that realistic or well I be having to reorder more of a couple grits a lot sooner than the others?

I also want to try using scotchbright type belts for satin finishing. Should I only need a very fine with the grits ordered? How many uses can I expect before replacing?

Thoughts?
 
Your about right on on your belts 60gr 120gr 220gr . Then a few pass with a 400 gr then I go to hand sanding .I use VSM ceramic these days and find them better than the Norton ones. You will use more finer gr belt than the ruff ones for sure.
10 of each is a good start but like you said the higher grits you will need more .For me anything over 120 don't last that long .
Use belts like there free . Save the used one for other things like nocking the edge off you blade before you start grinding. Never start with a square edge on a new belt .
 
Here's a list of my first order at TrueGrit. I also placed a second order for some standard Aluminum Oxide (AO) belts for use primarily on wood in 100, 220, and 400 grit. Decide on what grit you want to start out with, usually 36 or 60 grit seems to be preferred. Then roughly double the grit until you get to where you want to be. This is a matter of personal preference. Some will go just up to 400 or 600 grit and have slight grind lines in the finish...this is appealing to some. I prefer a more polished look so I ordered up to 1200 grit as well as a scotch-brite belt. The other thing to keep in mind is the old saying "use belts as if they're free". Once a belt shows signs of wear, replace it...don't try to get every last bit of grit from it. So in answer as to the quantity of belts, as many as you can currently afford. Your mileage may vary.

2x72-36 XK760X Ceramic [5761] Item# BVSM272-0036-760

2x72-120 XK760X Ceramic [5765] Item# BVSM272-0120-760

2x72-60 XK760X Ceramic [5763] Item# BVSM272-0060-760

2x72-180 A100 Gator 337DC Trizact Aluminum Oxide [2064] Item# BL3M272-0180-A100CF

2x72-1200 A16 307EA Trizact Structured Aluminum Oxide [2125] Item# BL3M272-1200-A16307

2x72-600 A30CF Gator 337DC Trizact Aluminum Oxide [2148] Item# BL3M272-0600-A30CF

2x72-400 A45CF Gator 337DC Trizact Aluminum Oxide [2071] Item# BL3M272-0400-A45CF

2x72-AMED Scotch-Brite Aluminum Oxide Medium Low Stretch [2080] Item# BL3M272-SB-AMED-LS
 
I usually order 20 each, 36, 60, 120, 220, 400. But have to order the higher grit more often. Get em from Pop's Knife Supply.
 
i would include 220 in the list. it may be hard to remove the 120 scratches with 320. my 2 cent estimate- for every long lasting 60 grit ceramic belt ( like 3m 984f) you might use 4- 220, 5-320 , 6- 500, 6- 800 grit. mainly of your results will depend on how dull your belts are before you throw them away. you may be able to make 4- 800 grit last as long as a 60. i would order 5 of each and see what works good for you.
 
Actually since I started using 3M 984 ceramic belts, I only order 10 of the coarser belt at a time. They do last a Long time!
 
Yes I was expecting the answers to grit steps to be pretty personal as to preferences... I was more querious about how fast most guys are going through belts compared to each other but the various feedbacks on grit progession definitely give me some food for thought!

What about any users of the scotchbright type belts during finishing? Any more feedback there? Do you just used the higher grit level as a last pass or do you step up through a couple?
 
That ratio is very strange to me... I don't have a 2x72 (I'm I the process of building one) and my only sanding experience comes from hand sanding. I tend to use FAR fewer higher grits than I do the lower grits... Why is it opposite when grinding with a machine?


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VSM in 36 and 50 are really good, last long and do not break the bank when you grab a new belt

VSM 100 are pretty good, but Cubitron II 984f 120 are great and last far longer. If the 984f starts to give you problems grinding take a hardened piece of steel and run the grinder fast and push that steel hard into the belt. It will fracture the abrasive and cut like new again. They last far longer then you expect them to a lot longer.

I have a love hate relationship with Gators 100-400 grit, I love them new and hate them when they get dished out in the center. Use them new and they leave a finish that is amazing.

Cork in 240, 400 undressed, 400 dressed, 800-1000 dressed. You want the higher grit belts to last, like for dozens of knives....use cork belts.

TruGrit is great to deal with. They carry the best selection of abrasives that is their first business and they have a huge inventory because they service many industries abrasive needs.
 
These are all good suggestions to me but please do get some 220 grit belts and make sure you have a couple cork belts by Hermes from Tru -grit. Get a 400 and a 600 and grind a piece of round bar for 5 minutes before you use them on your blades. I also like to have a Gator belt in X65 and X45 as well. You will develop some favorites so don't buy too many of each kind to start. Check out the VSM from Tru grit in 60 grit., They have a good price so you can put on a new belt more often and this makes a huge difference when grinding bevels. Just my opinion again. Also shop the prices at Pop's knife supply...I buy stainless steel and some belts from him and am always happy with the fast shipping. Lastly , buy a few J-flex belts in 320and 400 grit and run them slow to grind cool. Larry

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