[TheForge] Re: belt life vs speed

Tue Jul 8 22:54:06 2003

Hey Randy,
The high speeds on commercial grinders, using ceramic belts, are generally
coarse grits 36 - 60 or so . They remove a lot of metal fast with minimal
heat build up.
 When I'm rough grinding my big hammer heads I can remove 1 1/2 lbs of steel
in 15 minutes.
 As you progress to different types of belts you have to determine the
optimum belt speed and pressure. The type of steel you are grinding will
also affect the optimum grinding conditions.
The general rule of thumb is: the finer the grit  the slower the speed and
minimal pressure.
 It also helps, if the belts are water proof, to spray it with a solution of
cool mist and water.
It really helps to minimize heat build up.
There are so many different possible types of belts out there. It is very
hard to choose. Your best bet is generally, to buy from a reputable belt
supplier and tell him/ her what you want to grind . what kind of metal and
how polished the finish. Let the supplier  recommend the belts, and speeds
to use them at.
For finishing belts I like Triazic or better yet NORAX belts.
Chuck
----- Original Message -----
From: "R.C.Mundt" <[email protected]>
To: <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 2:14 PM
Subject: [TheForge] Re: belt life vs speed


> I built my 2x72 grinder the belt speed is aprx.3600 fpm, a local
knifemaker
> told me if I slowed down the belts would last longer, I'm using norzon
> belts, had the local suplier contact norton, after I couldn't get an
answer
> from them, Norton recomended 4000-5000fpm for grinding steel.  Chuck is
> talking 6000fpm. Does anyone else have any input on this.  I used a 1hp
> motor which is adequite about 90% of the time, but then I'm not a
knifemaker
> and don't use it very hard.
> Randy Mundt