3M offers so many Belt flavors, I get confused. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
You really need to try 3M Trizact CF "Gator", I get mines from trugrit in 200-400 grit, super smooth belts.
The Trizact Gator belts "Look" cool <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />:
And I have read some comments somewhere about some people liking them. But, I have read so much, that I honestly can't remember most of what I have read.
I assume you have likely had the opportunity to try more belts than I have. I have mostly just read a bunch. But, I assume you still hang out with Ban (?????) and might get to play with his stuff and starting to accumulate your own based on some possible inside info and playing with his (?????).
The cut lines of the Gator belts seem like they would contour to the grinder wheels better and likely allow the belt to spin smoother (?????) - just theory on my part. I have read where the Gator belts are supposed to run smoother (????).
You already mentioned using and liking the Norton Norzon belts (Ceramic).
I have read some people mention they like the Norton Norax belts a bit more than the Gator belts.
Have you tried the Norax belts?
If I understand correctly, the Gator belts are Aluminum Oxide.
Whereas the Norax belts are ???? not sure... some seem to be AO and other Zirconia (?????)
My concern about the Gator belts is the AO. I have read over and over how AO just doesn't last very long on hardened steel and AO is better for wood and I am guessing fine for micarta (????).
I just recently started using the Silicon Carbide and it does seem noticably better than AO so far.
So, why Gator belts with AO?
Do they make the Gator belts with Silicon Carbide or Zirconia???
Still a bit confused. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />
SO MUCH info and so many options. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />
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...... I REALLY need to upgrade my belt grinder before dropping a bunch on new belts. I am still using a POS 1x30, but have recently started using my 4x36 to help with grinding the flats. I have done WAY better using my 4x36 on the flats than I ever could with my 1x30. So, for now, my 1x30 still works "decent" for my final sharpening and some detail work. But, my 4x36 has become my heavy duty work-horse... for now.
At one time, I was seriously considering a 1x42 in either a Delta 180 or a Kalamazoo. But, the more I use my 4x36, the more I think I need/want at least 2" width on ANY upgrade I go to next.
Based on what I "think", a 2.5" - 3" width with two wheels and eaily removable platen sounds ideal. And 42" - 48" seems plenty long to me (????) <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> But, belts are not readily available in 2.5" - 3.0" widths... let alone machines. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I guess the industry like 2x72 for a reason. So, until I actually get to use a 2x72, I guess I just have to assume that is the way to go. But, short of that, the 2x42 option seems pretty interesting and belts seem to be reasonably available for that size - more so than machines that use those sizes. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />
About the only other 2x42 belt sander I have seen is a Wilton that costs almost as much as the Grizzly 2x72. The Wilton is a 3 wheel set-up. And seems like the Grizzly would be a no-brainer pick over the Wilton at a similar price.
The 2x42 Dayton that Mick is looking at looks interesting, but I can't see certain features of interest to me.
The Grizzly 2x72 has a very versatile belt tension adjustment and a easily removable platen, but at about 2.5 times the cost of the Dayton. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> ... So, if certain things work right on the Dayton...???....
I would be interested to see more about how the Dayton belt tensioner works and more about the platen. I "assume" the belt alignment function is decent and Dayton seems to make pretty decent motors - Not sure if they are as good as Baldor (????), but probably fine for me.
However, the Dayton's platen "appears" to be fixed like on my 4x36 - which would not be so good for my preferred option of convex grinding.
If you read this Mick, can you post more detailed pics of you Dayton, when you get it - specifically showing the platen and belt tensioner.
Also, the Grizzly has a 1hp motor vs. 1/3hp on the Dayton. The 1/3hp might be enough. I think my 4x36 is 1/3hp (???).
But, if the platen is reasonably easily workable/removable for convex grinding and the belt tensioner has a decent range, that Dayton might have a LOT of what I am looking for at a LOT less price than other options.
I wish I could afford a grinder that had small wheel options for detail work... like fixing choils and such. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> - would be better than using the sanding drums on my drill press. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />
I am curious to learn more about the Dayton 2x42. But, not much info available that I can find so far.
So, Mick,.... I might be picking your brain on this Dayton. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />
As most know, Delta no longer makes or carries the SA180. But, I just noticed Grizzly now has the H8191 1x42 that looks VERY similar to Delta's old SA180 (?????)
See:
Grizzly H8192 .