Which 4x36 belt for general shop use and axe/machete/ lawnmower blade sharpening?

W

Wrace

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Sep 29, 2005
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I have a 4x36 craftsman belt sander that I use for general shop use (metal working). I've just been using the belts purchased with the machine when new. Those belts seem to be more for woodworking and are all worn out now.

I'd like to get a couple of replacement belts that would work for genera metal working (deburing small parts etc), and including sharpening axes/machetes/lawnmower blades.

I was in Lowes and they had some shopsmith ceramic belts for $10 each, but they only had three grits - 120, 80, and 36. I've never used ceramic belts before but assume they are ok for metal working? If so, which of these grits would be best for my intended use?

Thanks
 
Personally I use 320 or 400 for tool sharpening like that, but for general deburring I would go with a 120 belt. Ceramic is fine, silicon carbide is good too. Aluminum oxide (wood sanding belts) work but don't last as long. I've had good luck with the red Diablo brand from home depot, cheap, don't glaze over, and last a reasonable amount of time.

-X
 
H D has Diablo belts. They are red in color. I have had excellent luck with these. They have 3 different grits, 80-120-240 i think. I bought one of each. They last 5x longer than H F belts & don't cost that much either. They also have them for 1"x30" belt sanders, which i use for sharpening. Use what ever one you think is the right one for the job.
I just bought a H F 6" disc-4"x36" belt sander. It works excellent for thinning/changing the profile of my big choppers. Makes quick work of it. Now it takes me minutes to change & thin the profile & get them razor sharp, rather than hours & days by hand.
 
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