sanding belts

v-6

v-6

Joined
Nov 24, 2007
Messages
952
what kind of belts do you use, and in what order?
where do you buy yours, and @ what price do you pay ?
thanks vern:eek:
 
I like the 3M ceramic belts for everything up to 220 grit.
In order of use at my shop 50 grit 80 grit 120 grit 220 grit. After you get to this point and you have no deep scratches, take it to the finish you like.

Fred
 
Do the ceramic belts cut faster than the ZrO belts? I've used ZrO, but if the ceramic belts cut faster, I may have to switch and give them a try.
 
me2 said:
Do the ceramic belts cut faster than the ZrO belts? I've used ZrO, but if the ceramic belts cut faster, I may have to switch and give them a try.
Click to expand...
I am not familiar with the belts you are using. Are they zirconium?
The ceramics are very aggressive at higher belt speeds. I run a 3 horse kmg running at 5400 surface speed per minute. It moves a lot of metal.

Fred
 
Hi Vern,

I buy my belts from Tracy Mickley. Not just for the price...but also because of his terrific service. He's a great guy, a knifemaker and is very knowledgeable on belts.

-Rob
 
Fred.Rowe said:
I am not familiar with the belts you are using. Are they zirconium?
The ceramics are very aggressive at higher belt speeds. I run a 3 horse kmg running at 5400 surface speed per minute. It moves a lot of metal.

Fred
Click to expand...

Yes, they are zirconium oxide (zirconia, maybe a dioxide, I'm not sure), the blue belts, at least mine are blue. Supergrit.com says they are for wood and metal, and the ceramics they sell are listed as metal only. I used 40 grit for roughing 1095 before convexing with an 80 grit aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide cuts slower, but the belts stay tighter longer for convex grinding. That blade cracked, a lot, so I have nothing to show for my work, but the 40 worked pretty quickly. Its about time to restock on belts, so I'd like to get the fasted cutting and longest lasting ones around, even though I only make about 2-3 knives per year, if that.
 
I grind at only a little over 900 SFPM with a 40 grit belt and then an 80 grit belt and it doesn't take metal off that fast even with an alumina zirconia belt (blue) ....but then again, what's the rush! i think 40 grit runs like $4.25 a belt and 80 grit runs about $3.40 a belt for Norton Norzon. In the end find what you like....spending upwards of 6-10 bucks a belt is crazy in opinion if it doesn't last that long!
 
I start in this order on the grinder. :thumbup:

1. 50 or 80 grit 3M Belt
2. 120 grit Norton Blue
3. Norton 320 grit
4. Norton 400 grit Gray
5. Norton 800 grit Gray

Hand Rubbing til I am finish, I may go up to 1000 or 2000 Grit. ;)
1. 120
2. 180
3. 320
4. 400
5. 500
6. 600
7. 800

PS. Hope this will help you in knowing how we all do it. :)
 
me2 said:
Yes, they are zirconium oxide (zirconia, maybe a dioxide, I'm not sure), the blue belts, at least mine are blue. Supergrit.com says they are for wood and metal, and the ceramics they sell are listed as metal only. I used 40 grit for roughing 1095 before convexing with an 80 grit aluminum oxide. The aluminum oxide cuts slower, but the belts stay tighter longer for convex grinding. That blade cracked, a lot, so I have nothing to show for my work, but the 40 worked pretty quickly. Its about time to restock on belts, so I'd like to get the fasted cutting and longest lasting ones around, even though I only make about 2-3 knives per year, if that.
Click to expand...

The zirconium belts work well and I have used many of them, along with aluminum oxide and trizact belts. I think your taste in belts changes as you progress.
After a maker has acquired most of the equipment for his shop, its the belts he buys, that makes up the bulk of the shops expenses; after materials for knives.
Considering the amount of time spent at the belt grinder, I want it to be as pleasant as possible. I do not hesitate to put a new six dollar belt on the grinder. Its but a small fraction of the cost of the knife.
I buy the ceramics of the same manufacture because they are consistent and run the same every time I put a new one on the grinder.
I would suggest that you try maybe one or two of the ceramic belts and see how you like them, compared to the ZO belts. Nothing like a straight up comparison.

Good luck and post some pictures of your work, Fred
 
I second that recommendation for USA Knife Makers Supply. Tracy is a great guy, with amazing customer service. Try one of the Blaze Ceramic belts he sells, I know they are a little pricey but you do get what you pay for. I have a friend using the cork belts for finish work and he loves them as well.
 
i start with a 60 blaze and go to a 220. from there its a 400 aluminum oxide then to the gater belts 400 than 600.
 
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