Kalamazoo Belt Sander

[Bamban]

I actually bought this a couple or so months ago. I could not pass it up for 60 bucks. It was listed in DFW CL, a friend picked it up after I paid the seller. It sat it DFW till it was delivered to me yesterday.

It runs, but missing a belt. Any suggestion for what type of belt and grit?

 

[mikey]

Is that a 1" belt? With 1/3hp, I would guess so. Amazon carries ceramic belts from Red Label Abrasives that work well. 36 grit shapes HSS fast, 80 - 120 grit smooths it nicely and you're ready to hone.

 

[davidpbest]

Is that a 1" belt? With 1/3hp, I would guess so. Amazon carries ceramic belts from Red Label Abrasives that work well. 36 grit shapes HSS fast, 80 - 120 grit smooths it nicely and you're ready to hone.

Mike, I have the 2" (x 48) version, and have been trying to find a reasonable source for Scotch-Brite belts. I use them a lot to deburr and to slightly texture and remove machining marks from 6061 before anodizing. I've been getting them from MSC, but they are not cheap and don't last long. Got any thoughts on this? Thanks.

 

[Bamban]

Is that a 1" belt? With 1/3hp, I would guess so. Amazon carries ceramic belts from Red Label Abrasives that work well. 36 grit shapes HSS fast, 80 - 120 grit smooths it nicely and you're ready to hone.

Thanks, bud.

Yes, it is a 1/3 HP unit. Will buy the ceramic belts.

 

[mikey]

Mike, I have the 2" (x 48) version, and have been trying to find a reasonable source for Scotch-Brite belts. I use them a lot to deburr and to slightly texture and remove machining marks from 6061 before anodizing. I've been getting them from MSC, but they are not cheap and don't last long. Got any thoughts on this? Thanks.

Morning, David. Last time I looked for these, Amazon had the best prices on them but they were selling in bulk quantities back then. Just checked and they still are at 10 belts per pack. Extra-fine and medium are available but again, only in bulk. That brings the price down nicely but as you say, they are still not cheap. Sorry that I don't have a better answer for you.

 

[mikey]

Yes, it is a 1/3 HP unit. Will buy the ceramic belts.

You're welcome, Nez. Stay away from the Aluminum Oxide and Zirconia belts. They work fine but the ceramic belts will cut faster, cooler and last way longer. I have been very impressed with these Red Label belts.

 

[Bamban]

You're welcome, Nez. Stay away from the Aluminum Oxide and Zirconia belts. They work fine but the ceramic belts will cut faster, cooler and last way longer. I have been very impressed with these Red Label belts.

What grit do you use to hone?

 

[Bamban]

Mikey,

These should last a long time, they don't offer package in smaller quantity.

 

[mikey]

They sell a coarse grit and fine grit assortment. That might be a better way to go so you can decide for yourself what works before you buy in quantity. Belt seams tend to let go if they sit too long. By too long, I mean more than a year or so. If they let go, the belt will part suddenly with very little warning (it will sound funny for maybe a second or two and then ... BAM!) If you hear anything, step back immediately and turn off the machine.

I use the 36 grit belts to rough shape HSS tools and 80-120 to get rid of the coarse marks. Then I go to my diamond stones - coarse, fine and extra-fine.

If you prefer to use your belts to get a polished tool face, step up through the grits to 600. You'll have a near mirror finish and it will take you only a few minutes on an extra-fine diamond stone to have that tool ready to cut. I suggest that you only use your diamond stone to put the nose radius on the tool, though. Belts cut too aggressively for that job.

You might want to consider putting a Pyroceram platen on your grinder, Nez. Trust me; it is well worth doing this because that platen will stay dead flat for many years. I sound like a broken record but a good tool rest is essential. If you use the stock rest, buy a cheap digital protractor so you can set your tool rest angles properly.

 

[Z2V]

Nez, nice find on the grinder, the motor alone is worth more than you paid for the whole thing. I also use the ceramic belts from Red Label Abrasives, you cant go wrong with them.