Wet Sanding on a 6 by 48.

L6steel

L6steel

Joined
Sep 23, 1999
Messages
5,855
I don't know if you folks do any wet sanding on your belt sanders, but I gave it a try. I sand all the flats on my blades on my 6 by 48 sander. I decided to try throwing some water on it and see what happened. I used water from my dip bucket which has some dish washing liquid and baking soda in it. The results were great! The belts last longer, they cut a lot faster, and the steel stays so cool you can lift it right off the sander and put your hand on it and hold it there. It is real messy, but I am going to continue using it till I find something else that works better. The next batch of blades I get back from heat treat, I'm going to try wet sanding them all the way thru 800 grit and see how slick they come out. I'm hoping the results will be a nice shine so I can stop using the buffer so much. Well, just thought I'd let you folks know about it just in case. Take care! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
 
I use a 6X48 for the same thing, grinding the pits out of new stock and the flats as well. I may have to try the wet belt. One thing I have found to be very beneficial for grinding the flats is to use a magnet to hold the work piece (knife blank). Not only is it easier to hold, but the magnet provides a more uniform pressure across the whole of the piece. This also prevents burnt finger tips!

C Wilkins
 
Where is the water in relation to the motor/power source? Any possibility that the two can come together will make the erroneous changing of a light bulb a pleasureable experience :-)

Take care

Dileas Gu Brath
 
As funny as it would be, I don't want to have an I shocked the hell out of myself thread. So do us all a favor and look inside the base of your sander where the motor is mounted. If its like most belt sanders you'll find that the base is divided into two sections one holds the UNSEALED motor, the other is sort of like a box, only it has an opening at the top by the drive pully of the belt for the dust to come in and another at the end where you hook up your dust collection system. If your serious about using it as a wet sander take the time to check the bottom and make sure the dust chute is sealed so it can't all back up into the motor. Another thing you might want to do is cut a rubber mat for it so sit on so that water can't collect underneath the base. And I would cover any vents in the base that are likely to get water in them. I wouldn't cover them all though or the motor will get to hot. Be careful, eating isn't much fun when everything tastes like copper for a week.

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We got a five dollar fine for whining
We tell you before you come in
So if it ain't on your mind to have a good time
Y'all come back and see us again.- Chris LeDoux
 
Hey guys, if anyone thinks theres a chance they might short out their sander, please don't try this. My sander's motor is right under the belt, about 4" away. It is a sealed motor and has a fan on the back of it. I'm not talking about rigging your water hose on the thing. I just dip the blade and take a little water in my hand and drip it on the belt. By the time is gets to the end of the belt, it's either soaked in or slung off the belt. Do all the things Matt suggested to make sure nothing bad happens, or just don't try it at all. Be safe Forumites!!!!!!! Michael

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
 
Instead of H2O, try belt grease. Tapmatic makes a good one, but, they all do about the same thing. You'll have less mess, much less heat and you'll get a smoother finish. This tip works great for hollow grinding too.

You won't get zapped, either!!

RJ Martin
 
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