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Ok, I'd like to make a belt grinder like Spazola's wooden one, but in the meantime, I've discovered just how handy my benchtop 4x36 can be. Problem is, it seems a belt only lasts for one razor's worth of grinding. The belts are rated for metal and wood, so I was hoping they might last a bit longer. Is this common?
I get probably two out of a 36 grit 2x72. Your belts may not be what is available in 2x72. Go to USA knifemakers and read his tutorial about belts - really good info. I don't know what is available in your size. What you are getting may not be the same quality available in 2x72. Charlie swears by his 1x42 for razors. I'm used to 2x72, so I can't comment on other sizes. I think a 4 inch wide belt would be difficult for razor grinding. USA Knife sells a grinder in a box kit. Good luck.
I do not know if you can get ceramic belts in that size, but if you can they are worth the money. The ceramic belts last longer than the blue zirconia type of belts.
Charlie
It's not that hard if you've never had anything else. :) Six months ago I didn't even know such a thing as a 2x72 belt grinder existed. Thanks for the info guys.
Get belts that are specifically for steel and stainless steel.
The should last longer. The ones meant for metal are mostly meant for iron and light steel work.
The number and cost of belts was surprising for me also but it is an expense that cannot be avoided. Steel chews thru belts at a surprising rate. One way to make a belt last longer is to make sure that the steel is annealed when you first start grinding.
CAUTION: I have several belt sanders, but I would use them with great caution on knives never on my razors. The fixed, high-speed models can quickly bring the edge to red hot temperatures that can cause the steel to loose its temper and become very brittle. This is bad for both knives and especially razors. The water cooled belt or stone mill models with variable speeds that go very low are the only ones I would recommend for sharpening straight razors. They are very expensive and not as practical or as effective as a nice cool water stone. My recommendation would be to NOT USE any belt sander/grinder on a straight razor.
I think the discussion was about belts for grinding razors, not for sharpening them.
Well thanks guys. Using a variable speed drive mitigates the risk of damage from overheating. I don't want to jinx myself, but I'm not likely to overdo it. Of course I will a few times, but mistakes are the most valuable teaching tools available. And I promise not to try to sharpen a razor with it. lol.