So Many Belts So Little Knowledge

B

Bruce Hershberger

Joined
Apr 28, 2006
Messages
9
Couldn't find anything in the archives so I'll ask.....are the expensive belts really worth it? I've be making knives for only the last year and a half and been using the cheap stuff. There might be a better way to go but on a limited income I hate to throw my money away trying every belt under the sun.
Stick with AO or go SC? Ceramic? Zirconia? Is there one type better for the course and another better for the fine grinding?

It's time to stock up once again so your input is much appreciated!
 
I would recommend the Norton SG Blaze belts. I use 36 Grit to do most of the work, then move to either an 80 or 120 grit belt (clean up), followed by a 320 and then a 600 to refine the bevels and clean up the scratches. The Norax and Trizact belts work well in the higher grits. Good belts will make a crappy grinder more effective than using cheap belts. They also last longer. :thumbup:
 
I agree with the above. The better belts are generally better, last longer, etc. I've had good luck with the higher end 3M (I think it's called Regalite, or something) belts, and have found a good value in the top-line ceramic Klingspor belts, especially for 36 grit. I had tried the cheap import line offered by MSC for an odd-size grinder I have (6x54) and was reasonably satisfied--they were a lot cheaper (about $4.00 vs. $13.00 for 3M Regalite version). Then I was the recipient of a bonofide miracle! ---Scored 12 full cases (50-belts a case!) of this size, 80 grit 3M Regalite for something like $200 on eBay. Such a score isn't likely to happen with 2X72, though.
 
I have been having very good results with using cheapers belts in the heavy grits, when I go above around 200/ 240 I will only use the good ones. I like the Trizac Gators A65/ A45, and then the Hermes 600/ 800.
 
I really like the Hogger form Norton. they cut quick, smooth, and the cooling agent in them really works!!! Looking forward to trying their new Blaze. Tru Grit carries them. 1800-532-3336. They last a lot longer than the 3M products for me. Mike Lovett http://www.lovettknives.com/
 
Altogether better belts are cheaper in the long run. They last longer so you use less belts. One thing too I found that the cheap belts often don't track so well, and they wander about on the grinder. I stick with aluminum oxide belts because of health concerns. Silicon oxide belts can lead to silicosis- lung disease. I heard that the cermic belts also cause more lung damage than aluminum oxide. I use a good exhaust system, and a shop air cleaner, but the dust still manages to creep into everything.
 
I have a bunch of those new norton blaze belts and love them. I havent even been able to use one enough to warrant throwing it away yet. I prefer them to the normal norton ceramics ive used in the past.
 
Cubitron belts also last forever. I have old (15 blades) cubitron 50 grit that just keep cutting and cutting!
 
Thanks guys for the info. While ya'll have different preferences, for the most part, one message was clear.......stop buying the cheap stuff!
 
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