Belts for 2x72" grinder

[jeness]

Hi everyone!

I would like to get some help in purchasing belts for razor grinding. I am about to order a bunch for my 2x72" built grinder, and I am a bit hesitant about it.

My first thought was: Klingspor zirconia belts in 60/80 and 120 grit, and than Klingspor J-Flex belts in 240 and 400 grit. Would this work fine, or am I missing something?

Is 120grit enough to finish the main grind after heat treatment, or I have to drop down to 60/80 for the main metal removal, and only go up from there?

Which one do you prefer for roughing out blades, and grinding the main hollow? 60 or 80 grit? Do I have to go higher than 400 to get a nice finish on the tang and other parts with buffing?

Thank you very much in advance, I know that there are many questions, but I didn't find my answers here, and I don't want to order belts twice

[epd]

You can get a set from 24-400 grit off ebay for 40$ ish, that will get you started.... One of our members was kind enough to inform me I will need a 600 and 1200, then hamdsand to 2000....maybe he will chime in?

[spazola]

I do not have experience with 2x72 belts only smaller belts. In my experience it has been better to buy some sort of ceramic belt over a zirconia belts. The ceramic seems to last longer and cut better. With the higher grits (220 and up) the structured abrasives like trizact or norax seem to work better. I think belts in one of those things where you get what you pay for.

I tend to skip and cut corners with equipment but I buy the best belts I can get.

Charlie

[jeness]

I live in Europe, shipping would be about the same price as the belts, so no online source is good for me this way. I already have the source where I will order, I just need to know what would be the best to buy

[jeness]

I do not have experience with 2x72 belts only smaller belts. In my experience it has been better to buy some sort of ceramic belt over a zirconia belts. The ceramic seems to last longer and cut better. With the higher grits (220 and up) the structured abrasives like trizact or norax seem to work better. I think belts in one of those things where you get what you pay for.

I tend to skip and cut corners with equipment but I buy the best belts I can get.

Charlie

What grits do you use? I was debating about zirconia vs ceramic, I can get some nice ceramic belts in 80 grit too if they are better.

[spazola]

I am using 1x42 belts so there is a little apple to oranges comparison. I use 50,150,220,400,600,800.

Charlie

[medicevans]

I have heard that blue zirconia belts leave a nicer finish compared to norton blaze ceramics in similar grits.

I am going to order blue zircs, 3M Trizact (Gator Belts) in A30, A45, and A65. Then I will go to hand sanding from there. Of course, I'm going for a satin finish not mirror, so there's that.

As for belts supply places, try Pop's here in the US. I don't know if he ships overseas, but like I've said before I will be your intermediary if you want. Pops is the cheapest I've found, by several dollars.


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[jeness]

Thanks in advance! We will see how it turns out with my local supplier, maybe I will get lucky.

[skipnord]

Personally I use 36 grit for roughing shapes and then work up to at least 120 before heat treating. Make sure you use a new, sharp belt after heat treating, and cut back on the speed and cool in water often.

[randydance062449]

Be aware that some belts are designed for metal and some are not. Those designed for wood will wear out very quickly on steel. Cutting your initial shape and grind is where all the work is so be sure to get the best Metal belts you can. I always started with 60 grit but thats what I was taught to do.

Hope this helps,