Thanks A Bunch fellows

M

mikemaupin

Joined
Nov 18, 2003
Messages
23
Tkanks fellows, it's really a relief to finally make a decesion and be comfortable with it. I am going with what you folks suggested and get the KMG and Rodger is helping me with the motor and controler. I really do appreciate all of you. I will order in the next coupla of days. I have another question, what assortment of belts do I need to start with, grit and type? I am a fair buffer as I hot blued guns for 12 years and know pretty much what I need in the way of buffing wheels and compounds, at least I think I do. Thanks agian fellows, Mike
 
Mike,

Boy that is a loaded question, everyone has his favorites. But, here's my humble suggestion:

One set of belts for metal work (this should be enough to start):

1 36 grit Norton Hogger (for profiling blades)
2 80 grit 3m cubitron
2 120 grit Norton Ceramic
4 220 grit Norton Ceramic
1 A100 Norton Norzac
1 A45 Norton Norzac
1 A30 Norton Norzac
1 A16 Norton Norzac

The Norzac belts are for knife sharpening and some polishing work (one set of those will last you a year or more).

One set of belts for handle work (I don't mix the metal belts with the wood ones. Wood belts should be very clean and sharp.)

1 80 grit Norton hogger or 3m
1 120 grit Norton Ceramic
2 220 grit Norton Ceramic
(here is where I differ. Most folks like J weight 400+ grits. I use:)
1 A45 Norton Norzac
1 A16 Norton Norzac
3 A30 3m Micro Finish
3 A15 3m Micro Finish
3 A9 3m Micro Finish

The Norzac belts are very flexible and good for slack belt work.

These are just what I use and not any kinda rule or anything.

Steve

PS, if you can swing the price difference you might want a 10" contact wheel. I wish I did.
 
Grand move Mike!
Takin the plunge and you'll never regret it!
I'm a weirdo when it comes to grinding, I still use aluminum oxide belts to grind my blades.
I do the rough grinding, about 80% of the profile, with 36 grit, then start the clean up with 60 grit. By the time I get to 120 grit the profile is 95% of what I want it to look like when it's finished since the finer grits don't take much steel off. They're just used for cleaning up the previous grit's scratches. I go from 60 grit to 120, to 220, to 320, and then I heat treat. After heat treat I make light pases with a 120, 220, 320, 400, and 500 and then if I want a satin finish, a scotchbrite belt.
Best source I've found for aluminum oxide and scotchbrite belts is GL Pearce Abrasives. Their number is 1-800-938-0021. Been gettin my belts from them for 5-6 years now and never had a problem with them.
You'll get alot of input from your post.
You'll just have to go through the try it and see process like the rest of us did to find what works for your specific style of grinding.
Every knife maker prefers a certain type of belt and swears it's the only one worth usin, lol.
Just be patient with it and things will start clickin for you.
God bless!!
 
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