Scotch-Brite belt conditioning

[Robert Erickson]

I have some Scotch-Brite belts that I've been using for a few months now that seemed to be getting clogged. My questions are: 1) when do you know they are unusable? and 2) can I use a rubber belt "eraser" like I use on regular belts or some other means of re-conditioning them?
Or do I just bite the bullet and buy new ones when the scratch pattern seems irregular?

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

They don't last forever but they do last for a while. I did some searches on the matter here and I found that a couple guys were mixing up dawn dish detergent with water in a five gallon bucket and soaking them in it for a day or two. They said it brought them back to life nicely. I haven't tried this yet so I can't say for sure.

 

[Burton Harruff]

I like to give it a spray of wd 40 once it starts running. Seems to cut nice might just be in my head though. Give it a try.

 

[Mitchell Knives]

They don't last forever but they do last for a while. I did some searches on the matter here and I found that a couple guys were mixing up dawn dish detergent with water in a five gallon bucket and soaking them in it for a day or two. They said it brought them back to life nicely. I haven't tried this yet so I can't say for sure.

+1. This is exactly what I do. It works.

The WD40 trick works well also.

I replace my SB belts maybe once every year or so.

 

[Robert Erickson]

Thanks everyone, I'll give those things a try!