Hey guys, I just picked up a used 4X36 Craftsman belt sander to shape and sand the edges of my sheathes. I was wondering what grit belts you would recommend? Belt changes are fairly easy so multiple grits are a definite possibility. I would greatly apprecite some input from more experienced makers. I'm pretty much self taught over the last 2 years, and in the last month just purchased Paul Long and Chuck Burrows DVDs. Learning some great things, but it looks like there is a lot more to learn yet. Thanks in advance, Randy
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Question on Sander Belt
- Thread starter rtmind
- Start date
- Joined
- Jun 13, 2007
- Messages
- 7,743
You're gonna love that. 
I use the roller quite a bit, but overall the platen is more useful for my work.
Couple of things. The belts aren't like working with steel. You can use a worn belt for quite some time, in fact some people fracture the abrasive with a piece of steel before use. I use zirc belts from Harbor Freight. The grit size really isn't super critical, but smaller grits will create more friction and thus are more prone to burning the leather. Don't let that happen. Burns go deep and you'll end up using the caution removing the burn that you should have used in the first place. I know from repeated experience.
You can feel the leather, as you work, to see if it's heating up. You'll get the hang of it quickly.
My belt sanders and drill press are things I use on every single project. Good buy!
I use the roller quite a bit, but overall the platen is more useful for my work.
Couple of things. The belts aren't like working with steel. You can use a worn belt for quite some time, in fact some people fracture the abrasive with a piece of steel before use. I use zirc belts from Harbor Freight. The grit size really isn't super critical, but smaller grits will create more friction and thus are more prone to burning the leather. Don't let that happen. Burns go deep and you'll end up using the caution removing the burn that you should have used in the first place. I know from repeated experience.
You can feel the leather, as you work, to see if it's heating up. You'll get the hang of it quickly. My belt sanders and drill press are things I use on every single project. Good buy!
knifeleather
Knife/Sheath maker
- Joined
- Jul 14, 2012
- Messages
- 412
I usually use 120 for mild shaping, 220 to 400 for finishing edges. I use a variable speed grinder tho, not sure how the speed compares with the craftsman unit. As Strig mentioned, I usually let the belts get pretty well worn as well (at least the finer ones).
Thanks for the feedback, i can't read the grit size on the back of the belt i got with the sander. And, i did manage to burn my first sheath. lost alot of material getting the burns out. luckily the sheath was for my own use with a real primitive knife a buddy made for me. I've been using a sanding wheel on my drill press, but that could be really slow, and hard to maintain square edges. I'm really hoping this helps. Anybody else have any suggestions?
Horsewright
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Oct 4, 2011
- Messages
- 13,484
I use a ceramic 120 grit belt on my 6x 48. Most evening and shaping done here. 400 grit a/o belt on my 2x72 for finishing. I'll usually run this about 50 percent speed.