Big Cork Belt question

[alexkuzn]

I just got my cork belts(15, 400 and 600grit) from Tru-grit.
I was surprised when found that finer belts look much coarser.

Please explain how exactly cork belt work. Not how to use them.

I know I have to "prime" it for 10 minutes before use. On " Making SubHilt" video cork belt looks like it's just a holder for buffing compound. Anyway there is no abrasive left in cork belt itself after 1 year of usage. So my question is - why do you want to switch from 400 grit to 600 grit belt if they just hold compound but don't have any abrasive on it's own?

I've read all post I could find on cork belts but haven't found the answer.

Thanks,
Alex

[alexkuzn]

I found some info from old postds:

Question:
The posts in this particular cork-belt thread have answered quite a few questions I had after reading the other threads. Now I think I might have messed up. After reading the older threads I thought "Well why pay for the grit if you're just going to strip it off when breaking in the belt" so I ordered my cork belts plain (no abrasive). You think they're still going to work as described if I follow the same break-in and load them with green-chrome? Anybody using them this way?

Answer:
Didn't work for me. The green chrome is working more as a lubricant than an abrasive. The silicon carbide embedded in the cork is what cuts, the compound just keeps it smoother and helps it run cooler, I believe. Not that I've scientifically studied any of this, just my thoughts.

[george tichbour]

They are with out a doubt stock removal belts but properly worn in and coated with green compound they polish as well as remove fine scratches. I use 400 grit but at times have purchased 600 or 800 when 400 was not in stock and the difference was not noticable.

[alexkuzn]

I wonder if it helps to put the same compound on regular belts? Will it run cooler or get less loaded?

[Dan Graves]

I use them wet. Makes a difference. Soak in water for about 5 min. turn the grinder and after it thows the water I use. I like them as they dont build up a lot of heat and produce a finer grind line and are les aggressive as they wear.

[alexkuzn]

Originally Posted by Dan Graves

I use them wet. Makes a difference. Soak in water for about 5 min. turn the grinder and after it thows the water I use. I like them as they dont build up a lot of heat and produce a finer grind line and are les aggressive as they wear.

Are you talking about cork belts or regular belts?

[Dan Graves]

Cork belts. They are made to be used wet. I also like them better when they are used a little.

[Steve]

I hope your questions have been answered, Alex. The compound is imbedded in the cork, as I understand it and definitely, the 400x is more aggressive than the 600x and the 600x give a finer finish. I've never runt hem wet, that's interesting. Jess Horn, I seem to recall, did grinding with cork belts, of the more coarse versions, I'm sure. Hope things work out for you. They surely do work well for me.

[Dan Graves]

When I first ordered this type of belt and received it, I looked at them and thought I got the wrong grit and called the the rep. He told me they were the right grit and meant to run wet and I would notice a difference in the way they ran. I do have a varible speed grinder and ran on slow but, they will work on high speed as well. I only run them until they start to dry out. One good thing about running them wet is, no heat. Try one wet without the rouge. Let it soak for about 5 min. It also softens the belt. I think you will like it.

[Steve]

Do you break them in, or just soak them and use as new? Thanks, Dan. That is something I'll try.

[Dan Graves]

I used just a little (once and just a little) before I soak. Just enough to knock the large chunks off. That way the water gets in.

[alexkuzn]

Thanks everyone for helping. I just tried 400 and 600 grit cork belts last night.
I liked them very much.
BTW By accident I rammed a corner of steel into belt I was using to do initial preparation and made a groove in a belt. Now when I apply compound it doesn't stick to this groove at all.
This doesn't seem to affect anything or I just can't see it.

[Steve]

That groove should not be a problem, Alex.

Glad you got your questions answered and I'm happy that you like the belts.

[Frank Niro]

Dan, Have you read the postings Steve has done on the use of cork belts? I believe you will find some most useful information on fine blade finishing if you do. Frank