Question on what grit belt to use

catmath 1911

catmath 1911

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I just acquired a belt sander that uses 1x42 inch belts. What is a good grit belt to reprofile existing edges into convex edges using slack grinding?

Catmath 1911
 
Do a search for "convex" in the Himalayan Imports forum. We just talked about this a week or so ago. There are a few of us who use 1x42 belt sanders and pretend to put convex edges on knives...:rolleyes:

There's a good bit of info there plus drawings, etc.

Basically, the short answer is:

Start with 180 or 220 and work your way up to 400 or 800 (depending on desired finish). Anything lower than 180 will keep you up late at night working the scratches out afterwards...:eek:

Dan
 
Thanks Dan.

I bought this belt sander at Lowes, so I guess I will be pretending to put a Convex edge on also.:D

Andrew
 
For metalworking - use blue zirconia belts from www.supergrit.com

For woodworking - use any ole A/O belt - they can be had on eBay for around $0.50 each. Check out barbkat and discount_abrasives.
 
I use A/O belts on most everything
then 3M micron belts for the finish, works fine for me
for more suppliers look at the knife making link below..
:)
 
You are just talking about sharpening with a slack belt right?

Anything finer than 120 will work fine and it really doesn't matter what kind of belt it is. It's a hard to wear out even the cheap a/o belts just sharpening. I use a 120 grit belt for sharpening then knock the bur off with a few swipes on a ceramic rod. That gives a nice toothy edge that will still shave pretty good too.

Practice alot on knives you don't care about!! you can't slow that grinder down so it's gonna eat right into your edge if you aren't very carefull. I just use the very edge of the belt and little to no pressure go from ricasso to tip in one smooth quick motion.
 
Originally posted by catmath 1911
I just acquired a belt sander that uses 1x42 inch belts. What is a good grit belt to reprofile existing edges into convex edges using slack grinding?

Catmath 1911
Click to expand...

I miss took what you asked I think?

to sharpen I go to a 30 micron belt down to a 15 micron then buff the edge lightly.
be very carefull if you do it this way.:(

220 is a pretty course belt to put an edge on IMHO
of course it depends on what you have to work with for a knife too?
 
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