AAGGHH!!!! Belt problems

[DanCrabtree]

I ordered some norton belts from Texas Knife Supply, I forge my blades so there isnt a whole lot of grinding needed. I got about 2 or so blades ground. I was working on a peice of wood just check how it would look. I was using a 36 grit belt, I stopped for a second to turn around to look at something I cant remember what, Then I here a snap followed by a sharp belt sanding away at my arm. The belt broke into 3 peices. Nothing was in contact with the belt when it happened. The belt is very brittle, it was about 60 degrees outside the day this happened. Then I inspected my other belts and my 80 grit has a crack in it.
What is going on?! I dont have a big budget and 50 $ on belts is alot to me. Im about to go to all rustic style knives or just hand sand. Suggest a good supplier and company please, btw Im using a grizzly 70 x 2 inch belt grinder.

[JeridJohnson]

I've always bought my belts from TruGrit.. Great people and great prices.. And they have just about any belt you need in any brand.

http://www.trugrit.com

I have never had the problem you describe..

[Robert Dark]

Dan:

Call James Poplin at Pop's Knife Supply out of Georgia. He is very knowledgeable on belts and can make recommendations to you to help fit your needs. His prices are good and shipping is fast. He is a nice guy to deal with.

Your best chance of reaching him in person is after about 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. EST

Tel.: 706.678.5408

[Ed Caffrey]

You mentioned that the belt was "brittle"........... I'm guessing it had a "Y" weight backing? The most common backing weights on belts are "Y" (very stiff), "X" (more flexible), and "J" weight (very flexible). I would suggest instead of starting with a 36 grit "Y" weight belt, try using either a 50 or 60 grit "X" weight belt. With the small idler wheel on the Grizzly machine, you asking for problems by using a "Y" weight belt. Forcing the belt to conform to that very small radius is very likely what caused the belt to break. You didn't metion what brand of belt this happened with, so I'll also add that the quality of a belt has much to do with it too. I have had belts break over the years......this has usually been my fault, because I tried to make the belt do something that I should not have. The other reasons that belts break is how old the belt is, and how you store them. Belts that have been on the shelf for too long will become brittle, or the joints will become weak is subjected to large temp swings, or exposed to direct sunlight for long periods. Belts should always be stored by hanging them (NOT ON A NAIL OR OTHER SMALL RADIUS, as this causes the belt to "kink" and later break) I use the cardboard tube that comes with the belts to hang them.

There just like any other piece of equipment.......if you purchase a quality one, and take care of it, it should work as advertised. Even then something is going to break every now and then....... it's just part of what we do.

[TexasJack]

I've bought belts from TXknifemaker's before (because they're local) and never had a problem. They pretty much only carry good quality makers. I've also bought from TruGrit and found them to be excellent. Looks to me like Ed's advice is right on the money.

TruGrit's web site also has an extensive explanation of what the different belts are made for. It takes a bit to read through them, but it's well worth the education. (Now, if only TruGrit would make their ordering system a little easier/faster to fill out!)

[markd]

I've had some cracking with a "y" 36 grit. Don't use em. Use the "J" flex Dan. I'm on a Griz also.

[Cliff Krug]

I have had good luck with the schroder belts from POP'S Good prices & great service .

[DiamondG Knives]

Dan:
While you have been given some sage and exelent advice, Id still call TKM and let them know what happened. They may have had a bad batch of belts for some reason or another, and may happily send a replacement. Id give them a call just for a heads up on their end if for no other reason.

God Bless
Mike