I'm in need of a new 6x48 sanding belt for my stationary (Shopsmith) belt sander.   I have a stash of a few that I've had for probably too long.  I barely get them on and the splice comes unglued.  So time to just get some new ones.

 

Anyone have a favorite brand?   Probably just buy one since I don't seem to go thru them that fast.  80 or 100 grit.   Prefer to buy local vs. shipped if only to avoid shipping and handling.  But prices seem to be $17 ea to $19 for a 5 pack assortment.

Edited August 8, 20205 yr by kmealy

Either Menard's or Harbor Freight?   Lowes is too much $$$$$$

https://www.supergrit.com/view.php?pg=index

Klingspor or VSM if you want good ones. I've been using HF so I can trash them.

I use the Shopsmith belts. Don't know who makes them but, they're good belts. 

DO NOT GO WITH HARBOR FREIGHT SANDING BELTS..... I've always ordered belts from Combat Abrasiveness.  You can get a bunch of different belts for an in expensive price and they last quite a while.  I've always gotten the 2x72 belts but I've been contemplating on setting my 2x48 back up LOL.  How ever I've bought all my belts through those guys and they are fairly reasonable on price.  First harbor freight belt I tried the thing ripped in half on me at full bore and it was NOT fun.

 

https://www.combatabrasives.com/

Edited August 8, 20205 yr by AndrewB

I USE those Harbor Freight belts all the time.....rarely any, if any issues.   All depends on the color it is....do not get the Blue ones....

 

Menard's has two kinds of 6 x 48 belts....red, or black....get the red one..

53 minutes ago, steven newman said:

I USE those Harbor Freight belts all the time.....rarely any, if any issues.   All depends on the color it is....do not get the Blue ones....

 

Menard's has two kinds of 6 x 48 belts....red, or black....get the red one..

Same here, for my handheld belt sander as well.  I figure if I am using that tool I am into something messy anyway. 

 

Belt is not really expected to last more than a few times.  

 

34 minutes ago, Gunny said:

Same here, for my handheld belt sander as well.  I figure if I am using that tool I am into something messy anyway. 

 

Belt is not really expected to last more than a few times.  

The good ones do. I'll use HF on the 6x48 but on tge edge sander and 4x24 sanders I'll use good name brands. The 6x80 belts will run about $15 and the 4x24 belts are about $15 a box of 10. All klingspor...

2 hours ago, Gene Howe said:

I use the Shopsmith belts. Don't know who makes them but, they're good belts. 

Shopsmith partnered with another company up Dayton way, Ali Industries, to co-label some abrasives.  For a while, you could find them at Lowe's, but I haven't looked recently. Ali Industries also makes Gator brand abrasives.

 

 

Anyone heard of a brand called Coceca?

Edited August 8, 20205 yr by kmealy

ULast time I was in Lowes...about 2 weeks ago...the were still stocking the Shopsmith abrasives.

I've been using Norton "Red Heat" ceramic belts.  They last a long time.

Just a comment about "stash". I'm sure you're on top of this, but they don't keep well. The adhesive fails after being in storage for some time. I have no idea how long that is, and it's likely different across brands. But the point is don't stock up, it just doesn't pay. Buy them as needed in smaller batches. The last 6x48 I bought was a Zirconium belt from Woodworker's Supply, but as a rule I stick with Klingspors.

Here's something some may not know. Klingspor will sell to snybody. VSM you need an account. They don't sell to the public, but if you got an account through Baer supply you can get there belts. I much prefer VSM and you'll notice a lot of it in my shop...

6 minutes ago, BillyJack said:

Here's something some may not know. Klingspor will sell to snybody. VSM you need an account. They don't sell to the public, but if you got an account through Baer supply you can get there belts. I much prefer VSM and you'll notice a lot of it in my shop...

I've heard of Klingspor, but not VSM. Are they also a regional outfit?

VSM is located In St Louis  I believe. I buy a lot from Ebay...