Recommendation? Belts for handle work?

A

AlaskanHunter

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Nov 23, 2013
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I've seen "best belt" threads rehashed hundreds of times (perhaps that's a slight exaggeration;)), but it almost always revolves around grinding bevels. After a short search, I found very little on belts for handle work- specifically roughing woods, bone, antler, and composites.
So... what is your favorite for that sort of work? Do you prefer a different belt for different materials? What's your preferred grit (or grit progression) for it?
I have used cheap aluminum oxides (they stunk at just about everything- handles and blades) and 3M ceramics. Pretty sure there's better options- they loaded up pretty fast, but worked OK for blade work after "sharpening" the belt with a scrap of HTed steel. I just think that for the price there has something better, or something that works equally well for less $.
 
I normally use either decent AO belts (klingspor, Norton, or Hermes) or cheaper ceramics (VSM is my favorite of the budget ceramics) for the rough work. Anything from 36-60 grit. I've been trying some blue zirconia belts recently, and although I haven't really developed a preference yet, I'll definitely buy some more of them.
For finishing work it's all aluminum oxide jflex. I use Hermes 100 grit, and klingspor 220 and 400. After that I'll hand sand.
Now I do my handle roughing with 2" wide belts on a contact wheel, and finishing on a 1" wide slack belt. Different techniques would likely suit different belts.
 
I use AZ-X 2x72 Aluminum Oxide / Zirconia Combination Belts in 36 and 60 grit for rough shaping and then 3M AO belts at 120 and 220 before going to hand sanding to finish. Pops Knife Supply has them.
 
cheap 50 grit then cheap 220 J flex belts if they load they are shot why spend $ on good belts tht load fast and become useless
 
What Robert said. But really I only do rough shaping at the grinder on handles.
 
I rough things out with cheap 80 ao belts. Then 120 and sometimes 220 klingspor j flex. Hand sand after that. I would like to try those scalloped belts though
 
I recently asked a similar question, and open coat belts (belts that aren't entirely coated with abrasive, typically A/O belts) seemed to be recommended as they don't get clogged up as quickly
 
butcher_block said:
cheap 50 grit then cheap 220 J flex belts if they load they are shot why spend $ on good belts tht load fast and become useless
Click to expand...
A crepe block or Desmond belt dresser will unclog belts in seconds. I've found the useful number of dressings tips in favor of spending an extra $1-2 on good belts.
As with everything abrasive though, it comes down to how you specifically work
 
i have a rubberr block for cleaning the belt but iron wood and cocobolo and a few others are bad about loading and being a pita to clean
 
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