I'm looking for recommendations on abrasive belts. I'm going to need to purchase some more in the near future and would like some experienced guidance before spending my money.
I have a 2x72 KMG style grinder that I built from scratch almost 20 years ago. I originally built it for the purpose of making knives as a hobby (right before I got married). Due to a lack of time (wife, house maintenance, kids, garden, vehicle maintenance, and other hobbies) I have only made a few and even then, it's been a while since the last time I made any. I'm currently making a few knives for my own use, but I'm not sure if/when I will start on more once these are done. The grinder has mainly been used to sharpen mower blades (commercial mower with a 60" deck), or bevel and prep metal for various welding projects over the years. At one point I had LOTS of different belts for the machine because I was trying everything I could get my hands on just to figure out what worked well for me. I still have a lot of those belts, but they don't last long. The typically fail at the seam long before the get dull. I presume this is because the belts are old and my grinder is in a non-controlled environment along with the belts. A couple of years ago I broke my last zirconia belt and bought a few coarse ceramic belts from Red Label. Some of them are already wearing out quickly on me (breaking at the seam). Are there any brands that hold up relatively well over time? Is there a recommended way I could store them so that the seam holds up better? I currently have an ax handle laying between two ceiling joists with the belts hung over it, and a short piece of 2x4 laying through them at the bottom to keep them from curling up like a ribbon at Christmas. I also have a 1x42 belt grinder (Delta) that I have the same issue with. About the only other storage location would be in my basement, but I would have to leave them boxed up so they could be stored on a shelf. They would still see humidity in the summer, but no extreme heat. I heat with wood, so its really dry down there in the winter. Anyway, I'd love to hear others thoughts on this.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
I have a 2x72 KMG style grinder that I built from scratch almost 20 years ago. I originally built it for the purpose of making knives as a hobby (right before I got married). Due to a lack of time (wife, house maintenance, kids, garden, vehicle maintenance, and other hobbies) I have only made a few and even then, it's been a while since the last time I made any. I'm currently making a few knives for my own use, but I'm not sure if/when I will start on more once these are done. The grinder has mainly been used to sharpen mower blades (commercial mower with a 60" deck), or bevel and prep metal for various welding projects over the years. At one point I had LOTS of different belts for the machine because I was trying everything I could get my hands on just to figure out what worked well for me. I still have a lot of those belts, but they don't last long. The typically fail at the seam long before the get dull. I presume this is because the belts are old and my grinder is in a non-controlled environment along with the belts. A couple of years ago I broke my last zirconia belt and bought a few coarse ceramic belts from Red Label. Some of them are already wearing out quickly on me (breaking at the seam). Are there any brands that hold up relatively well over time? Is there a recommended way I could store them so that the seam holds up better? I currently have an ax handle laying between two ceiling joists with the belts hung over it, and a short piece of 2x4 laying through them at the bottom to keep them from curling up like a ribbon at Christmas. I also have a 1x42 belt grinder (Delta) that I have the same issue with. About the only other storage location would be in my basement, but I would have to leave them boxed up so they could be stored on a shelf. They would still see humidity in the summer, but no extreme heat. I heat with wood, so its really dry down there in the winter. Anyway, I'd love to hear others thoughts on this.
Thanks in advance,
Mark
