During the most recent hammer-in at Troy there was a vendor there who was local to Troy. They had a rather nice looking array of new abrasives. I talked with them as much as I had time to.
During my forging demo time, I had them donate a 4 1/2" wheel for a hand grinder. Now that I sit here writing this I think I'll get a picture of it tomorrow and put it up here.
Anyway - it was off the chart. Amazing how it cut and lasted. I'm still using it.
Beats any grinder wheel I've ever used.
That's one thing.
The other thing is their belts. According to the big dog at the show, the abrasive is the latest generation of "whatever" is used in a lot of belts. It escapes me now. Maybe zirconia? But it's the latest generation of that abrasive.
I don't know what to say.
I brought home two belts each of 36-60-120.
Now, normally, when I'm doing really rough grinding - lots of stock removal, most 36 grit belts are pretty trashed after either maybe 1 big bowie or two lesser knives.
I'm doing a series of 1/4" 1084 stock removal knives for an outfitter with just under 5" blades. And they're wide hunters.
I ground out four knives.
I'm really not exaggerating when I say that the 36 belt I used is almost still as hungry as it was when I started.
And the tracking and manufacturing are top notch. And I don't say that lightly.
Now, they're about a 9 dollar belt. But, seriously, I can go out and rough grind more blades with that belt. That's cheaper than the high dollar belts I'm currently using.
For now - I'm switching to these guys.
Preferred Abrasives
Thomas Gulker
66 Industry CT
Troy, OH 45373-2497
937-332-8855
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Good info Karl, thanks! Look forward to the pic of the wheel.
Bob
This is just the kind of information we need here Karl. Thanks
|quoted:
This is just the kind of information we need here Karl. Thanks
This really needed to be shared. These belts really are this good.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
I don't know what I was thinking earlier - these belts are made of the newest generation of ceramics - not zirconia.
The first two pictures are of the grinding wheels I got. As I recall, they are designed to not load up with steel frag - and it works! It just grinds like nobody's business and stays aggressive.
The last pictures are of the belt I used to grind four stock removal blades and a brand new one.
That used belt is still in incredible condition. It'll grind more blades. How many I do not know.
In the very last picture remember that this belt has ground four good sized blades and look how many particles of grit haven't even been touched yet!
You guys owe it to yourselves and your pocket book to gives these guys a try.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Thanks so much for posting this, Karl. I was recently lamenting the grinding wheel I have on my larger, 7" (I'm pretty sure) grinder and how lousy it was doing/lasting. I might see if they carry the larger wheels, too. Out of curiosity, have you used any of your higher grit belts yet? Do they seem to hold up as long/longer than others you've used? I guess I'm curious as to whether or not they have similar lasting power as the 36 grit. I'm definitely up for trying them out. I recently switched to some cubitrons and am somewhere close to the same price range already. I'm assuming they also have 220, 400, etc? Thanks again, great info.
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Jeremy, the 60s stand up to abuse just like the 36s.
I will buy more of both.
I only used the 120 briefly so do not have any advice on that one. From 60 grit I normally go to the A300 Gator.
Karl B. Andersen
Journeyman Smith
Great, thanks for the info, Karl. I normally use 60 then move to 120. 60's tend to be my workhorse belts and get the most use. I'll definitely check these out and give them a try. I'm always up for better products that last me longer <img src=' http://www.americanbladesmith.com/ipboard/public/style_emoticons//tongue.gi f' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=':P' /> .
Jeremy
Jeremy Lindley, Apprentice Smith
Saw this post so decided to order up some belts.
Tom was great--answered emails quickly (within the day) and helped me get a better shipping rate than what the website was quoting (shipping to Alaska is always an issue).
Thought folks would appreciate knowing that the customer service for this company is top-notch.
Steve
