Sanding Belt Help Please.

Hi All,

I have a 4"X36" belt sander with a 1HP motor. I've used both Norton and Gator Power brand belts. My problem is, both brands get a bubble in them very shortly after use. This only happend to my 120 grit belts. The 80's don't deform.I am using light pressure sanding scale blanks smooth. Is there something I can do to prevent this from happening, or is there a different brand of belts that won't deform like this? I would be greatfull for any assistance. The bubble is making it impossible to sand the blanks flat and evenly. Needless to say it is very frustrating. Thanks in advance, Don.

I have a small hand held belt sander which I clamp up side down in a bench vice (dodgey I know), the two situations that lead to a bubble in the belt (norton) is when the belt gets wet and if the belt gets too hot. If you are dipping the sanded item into water to keep it cool, be sure to dry it before putting it back on the belt. Also try and give the belt a break every so often. I recently over-heated my belt sanding acrylic scale material, which surprised me.

Anyway, this might be of assistance.

Good luck.

I'm not wetting the scales, but, may be heating the belt too much as you've suggested. I usually make a couple dozen at a time. Thanks for the help. As usual, slow me down. BTW, I had a grand time when I was in Townsville. Love you Aussie's. Don.

I have a 4 x 36 myself. I get my belts (norton) at Home Depot. You say bubbles...do you mean a ridge down the center? That could be the tension is too tight. Either way, I had some things simular happen to me and I started taking the belts off the sander as it was causing weird things to happen to my 120+ grits as the binding is quite a bit thinner than that on the coarse 60 & 80's. Hope this helps...Scott

Good idea Scott. I have been leaving on the drum and my workshop is HOT. I only turn on the a/c when I'm in there working. I'll be removing them when not in use from now on. Thanks much, Don.

If your shop is like mine, I'd have bubbles on me if I were to stay out there during the "warmer" parts of the day...it's 106F here now. My little ac unit in the shop can't even keep up in this stuff...Hope it works.

i know what yal are sayinf all i have in mine is a fan and at 105 outside i dont know what it gets inside i can make it till about 11 or 12 and it is inside in the ac. i have bad lunges and it is a killer to live with.