Well i was working on my first successful a bone hilt today and found a older 400 grit Aluminum Oxide belt and used it to polish the hilt. i have realized I really do not like how my High grit Silicon Carbide belts polish and am wondering about some alternative grit types to replace them once I get a new grinder.
Kevin,
You mentioned bone as a material you're using. It is relatively easy to grind, which is actually what you're doing. Not polishing. About any belt with grit will cut it. You just have to be aware to leave material for successive finer grit sizes.
As for grinding the blade and metal parts, I use a variety of abrasives but truthfully I don't obsess over it. I ask my supplier what he thinks is the best belt for my application. Once I settle on a belt for grinding blades, I also use these to grind my handle materials. There will be times that I alter this plan due to the situation. I will nearly always reserve brand new belts for certain tasks so as to cut more even/flat or to cut cooler.
I buy plenty. I'd hate to be shut down due to having no belts.
One other thing. When it comes to grinding, Bone will have a different character than wood. Wood will have a different character than Micarta. As a rule of thumb, I use the finest grit for the material that will continue to cut without slicking over. No use making deep scratches if it's not necessary.
I go to the finest grit I practically and safely can for the material and turn to hand work, hand sanding and on to polishing if appropriate.
|quoted:
Kevin,
You mentioned bone as a material you're using. It is relatively easy to grind, which is actually what you're doing. Not polishing. About any belt with grit will cut it. You just have to be aware to leave material for successive finer grit sizes.
As for grinding the blade and metal parts, I use a variety of abrasives but truthfully I don't obsess over it. I ask my supplier what he thinks is the best belt for my application. Once I settle on a belt for grinding blades, I also use these to grind my handle materials. There will be times that I alter this plan due to the situation. I will nearly always reserve brand new belts for certain tasks so as to cut more even/flat or to cut cooler.
I buy plenty. I'd hate to be shut down due to having no belts.
One other thing. When it comes to grinding, Bone will have a different character than wood. Wood will have a different character than Micarta. As a rule of thumb, I use the finest grit for the material that will continue to cut without slicking over. No use making deep scratches if it's not necessary.
I go to the finest grit I practically and safely can for the material and turn to hand work, hand sanding and on to polishing if appropriate.
As always you give good advice and I will heed it.
