Sparky Abrasives

[Derek K]

Just wondering if anyone knew if Sparky had good quality belts or not.

 

[Joshua Fisher]

I’d stay away from them, no reason for a cheap generic 36 grit ceramic belt to be $20. Here are some reputable belt suppliers that I typically order from, Popsknifesupply, Tru-grit, Brodbeck ironworks (local to me so easy to pick up belts) I like some of the VSM line belts like the actirox line for 36grit, 880 and 885 line for ceramics. For handles I use zirconia belts in low grits with a stiff backing and flexible aluminum oxide belts in 120-600 grits. Norton blaze belts are also really good ceramic belts, and if you grind at really high speeds 6000-8000 sfpm and high pressure then 3m cubitron belts are really good but can be pricey and don’t last long if you grind at slower speeds or freehand.

 

[Derek K]

I’d stay away from them, no reason for a cheap generic 36 grit ceramic belt to be $20. Here are some reputable belt suppliers that I typically order from, Popsknifesupply, Tru-grit, Brodbeck ironworks (local to me so easy to pick up belts) I like some of the VSM line belts like the actirox line for 36grit, 880 and 885 line for ceramics. For handles I use zirconia belts in low grits with a stiff backing and flexible aluminum oxide belts in 120-600 grits. Norton blaze belts are also really good ceramic belts, and if you grind at really high speeds 6000-8000 sfpm and high pressure then 3m cubitron belts are really good but can be pricey and don’t last long if you grind at slower speeds or freehand.

I have a 2 x 42 and Tru-Grit offers the VSM 760 line and for Norton its the 980 series, which would you recommend? Also, is there really a big difference between 36 and 40 grit? pretty big price gap

 

[Joshua Fisher]

I have a 2 x 42 and Tru-Grit offers the VSM 760 line and for Norton its the 980 series, which would you recommend? Also, is there really a big difference between 36 and 40 grit? pretty big price gap

Pops has the 880 vsm line in 2x42, it’s listed as their optimal ceramic in the search bar or abrasives section. I’d recommend that over the 760, it’s just a newer line of abrasives that works better especially at slower speeds and pressure.

 

[Derek K]

Pops has the 880 vsm line in 2x42, it’s listed as their optimal ceramic in the search bar or abrasives section. I’d recommend that over the 760, it’s just a newer line of abrasives that works better especially at slower speeds and pressure.

Thanks!