Splitting belts

[CDH]

I have an old 10" Delta Rockwell bandsaw. While perusing the old (original!) manual I saw a setup for it using 1/2" sanding belts with and without a platen. Well, it uses 71.5" + or - 1" blades...so a 72" blade will fit...and by extension a 72" belt should also work. While I don't have the platen setup, it would make a nice slack belt rig.

I have never seen 1/2x72" belts though. Would a common 72" grinding belt hold up if split into 1/2" strips and what would be the best way to split it? I'm thinking it would be a nice way to do handle work in finger grooves and such!

 

[Garrett Schmidt]

Here's a vid of a belt being used cut down on a KMG.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy_guBBaUTU&NR=1

I wondered the same thing. I wonder how thin you can cut it down and still be safe. Hope this helps.

 

[CDH]

Actually it showed me exactly what I was looking for. I had thought I would have to use a knife to cut the entire length of the belt...they show that (at least with their belts) you can just cut the splice and tear it the rest of the way.

That sounds almost too easy! Well, it sounds easy enough to spring for a 72" belt on my next purchase and see if it will work.

Thanks for posting the link!

 

[65535]

I think most belts use a horizontal/vertical lattice for the backing fabric so it should work pretty well.

 

[Fellhoelter]

It gets tougher on coarser grits though...

I bought some belt that are either 48 or 36 by 72 in 120 grit ceramic, and they are a pain in the butt...