trizact belts

Kevin McGovern

Kevin McGovern

Joined
Jul 31, 2015
Messages
3,118
I find that for certain applications, it is indispensable. I only have one (A45) but want to know who else uses them and in what application are you using them? It seems to really be a help with a single speed grinder like mine in maintaining control.
 
My belt progression on bevel grinding is 50 Blaze, A160 Trizact, A45 Trizact, A30 Trizact, then hand finish. I used to have an A65 in that progression but found I really didn't need it if the belts are in good shape. I have also started using an A45 Trizact on the surface grinder to put a clean finish on my Damascus billets before a flash etch.

Bob
 
What kind of life are you getting out of them? I'm not apposed to replacing belts, but it seems the one i have been using just keeps going and going. Granted, it's an A45 so I'm not removing tons of material per knife. Thanks in advance for your input.
 
You don't realize how worn they are until you switch to a new belt. Since I make mostly folders, I don't use up a belt as quickly. That said, two blades maximum. Far more on the surface grinder though.

Bob
 
Sorry to keep bugging you, but what type are you using? ceramic, AO? I think the one i have is AO, but at the higher grit is doesn't seem to suffer sanding metal.
 
I use the structured ceramics. I have a piece of old cubitron belt glued to a block of wood that I use to redress them. When you can see metal sticking in them, or your grind finish is more shiny than satin, I hit them with that dressing block and it's like having a brand new belt.

I actually haven't worn one out yet. I can't really say how many blades they've done because of the amount of experimenting I've been doing rather than actually finishing knives. But they have a significant lifespan if redressed when needed.

I use the A300, A100, and A45 the most.
 
Lisa uses the 160,100 and 65 a lot...Never really cared for the way the 30 looks on a belt finish.
 
I use the A/O belts. Tru-Grit sent me a ceramic once to try out and I didn't like it. I don't worry about trying to make belts last longer. They are a consumable and their cost is rolled into the price of my knives. Actually, using good, new belts saves me time and keeps costs down.

Bob
 
I use them after an A100 as a finishing belt for my knives (kitchen knives get a blue scotchbrite since I don't have a line that gets washed out).
 
Bob Ohlemann said:
I use the A/O belts. Tru-Grit sent me a ceramic once to try out and I didn't like it. I don't worry about trying to make belts last longer. They are a consumable and their cost is rolled into the price of my knives. Actually, using good, new belts saves me time and keeps costs down.

Bob
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I don't know how the AO belts work but it certainly takes me less time to dress one of the ceramics than to change belts. I understand where you are coming from, I go through single layer grit belts like water when I use them, but there is nearly .125'' of abrasive on one of these, throwing them out when they load up is like throwing out a surface grinding wheel rather than dressing it.
 
kdogmcg said:
I find that for certain applications, it is indispensable. I only have one (A45) but want to know who else uses them and in what application are you using them? It seems to really be a help with a single speed grinder like mine in maintaining control.
Click to expand...

I have a 65? Its the equivalent of about a 320 grit, the coding has been worn off of the back.

I use it at full balls out in a application to sharpen Ceramic knives, It does a good job. I personally don't care for Ceramic knives, but some folks want then sharpened.
 
Bob Ohlemann said:
I use the A/O belts. Tru-Grit sent me a ceramic once to try out and I didn't like it. I don't worry about trying to make belts last longer. They are a consumable and their cost is rolled into the price of my knives. Actually, using good, new belts saves me time and keeps costs down.

Bob
Click to expand...

Bob,
If they sent you one of the Cubitron II Ceramic belts, I don't care for them ether. They grab rather than cut/grind.

Try the Norton Budget belt Ceramic or my favorite Ceramic belt is the KSM from Germany.
I use a progression of 36G, 60 & 120Grit KSM Ceramic and use them for about 1-2 knives each tops! They really don't cost much more than the A/O and grind faster.
 
I remember someone telling me that the Trizact belts will fall apart if you get them wet. Maybe that's the cause?
 
There is a big difference between the ceramic and the AO, the AO are soft backed and I use them for bevel finish only starting from a45 to a6. I use the ceramic a100 & a45 on my sg, great finish. The ceramics will last a ton but they aren't meant for hogging material. They also will deform so you have to watch the edges as they wear. I would not suggest using the ceramics for plunge work unless it's a straight plunge, sweeping plunges like I do need the AO so it can be bent around the edge.
 
i ru 50 grit to hog then all the rest is gator belts til scott brite belt finish dressing then is the key
 
kuraki said:
I don't know how the AO belts work but it certainly takes me less time to dress one of the ceramics than to change belts. I understand where you are coming from, I go through single layer grit belts like water when I use them, but there is nearly .125'' of abrasive on one of these, throwing them out when they load up is like throwing out a surface grinding wheel rather than dressing it.
Click to expand...

The problem with dressing the Trizact belts is that you are changing the belt thickness. All Trizact belts are manufactured to the same thickness regardless of grit; this maintains consistency. When I finish a hollow grind and start hand sanding, I use a backing block that is contoured to the diameter of the Trizact belt on whichever wheel I used (usually a 14"). Obviously dressing the belt is not going to change that diameter by much but, I get pretty good results by taking advantage of that consistency.

I will however, try dressing one of the A/O belts. It could be useful in those situations where I think I have plenty of belts and then find out I'm all out of a grit.

Bob
 
Bob I didn't even consider that since I rarely hollow grind but it's a good point.
 
Have you tried cork belts? I've seen some GREAT finishes from those. IIRC Ian hall and Josh Gallardo use them
 
Pittknife said:
There is a big difference between the ceramic and the AO, the AO are soft backed and I use them for bevel finish only starting from a45 to a6. I use the ceramic a100 & a45 on my sg, great finish. The ceramics will last a ton but they aren't meant for hogging material. They also will deform so you have to watch the edges as they wear. I would not suggest using the ceramics for plunge work unless it's a straight plunge, sweeping plunges like I do need the AO so it can be bent around the edge.
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A/O are available in a variety of belt backing/Thickness From J-Flex to Heavy X weight.
 
Rhinoknives1 said:
A/O are available in a variety of belt backing/Thickness From J-Flex to Heavy X weight.
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Laurence, I think they are strictly talking about A/O and ceramic structured Gator belts, not normal grit belts. (Somebody correct me if I am wrong though)

I actually just heard about ceramic structured (Gator) belts for the first time within this last month. I'm curious as to how they compare to the normal A/O Gator belts.

Also, is Tru-Grit the only place that sells them? I normally order from Pops, but I think my next order will be from Tru-Grit as I really want to finally try out their VSM ceramic belts.

I think the only reason I've never ordered from them was because I would get confused with all the belt "code" numbers, and how they have all the brands mixed in with one another for each grit... :confused: I like being able to click on a brand or belt type, then choose from their selection of grits. However, it has been a long time since I've last visited their site and I do know more about belts now than I used to, so maybe it won't be as confusing anymore lol.

~Paul
My YT Channel Lsubslimed
... (It's been a few years since my last upload)
 
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