Replies

1. 
   Pippins | Oct 12, 2007 03:03pm | #1

   mufti, there was an article in FWW several years ago (maybe 10) on how to join sanding belts. A search of an index should turn it up. 

   I do not have any experience myself.

   Steve Pippins

    

2. 
   DanG | Oct 12, 2007 09:57pm | #2

   Mufti,

   Thanks again to BenM and his FWW Index spreadsheet, I was able to locate the article Pippins recalled (I wish my memory was that good).

   It was FWW #94, June 1992, page 44, "Shopmade sanding belts," by Bill Skinner. If you don't have that issue of the magazine, in summary the author said he'd been making belts for stroke sanders and smaller machines for more than 40 years. He used an angled butt joint with a strip of Kevlar cloth glued to the back of the belt with Hexcel Epolite 2461 epoxy resin, both of which were commonly used by boatbuilders.

   His procedure was to cut a length of cloth belt stock about 4" longer than required, overlap the ends and clamp it to yield the desired length, then make an angled cut through both layers with a sharp knife guided by a straightedge. The joint was reinforced with a 1" wide strip of Kevlar glued with a spoonful of resin/hardener. He put wax paper under the belt and over the Kevlar strip, clamped the joint with a short piece of 2x2 and let it set overnight.

   Sounds like most of what you're looking for, except the source listed for Kevlar and epoxy was West Coast USA and wouldn't be much help in your case. But it should at least help steer you in the right direction to find it. Good luck with it.

   Dan

1. 
   NWIslander | Oct 13, 2007 12:13am | #3

   <i>Thanks again to BenM and his FWW Index spreadsheet,</i>I'm a newbie to this forum. Who is BenM and what/where is his FWW Index spreadsheet?

1. 
   DanG | Oct 13, 2007 01:48am | #4

   NWIslander,BenM is the person who posted his Excel spreadsheet in an Article Index Database thread earlier this year. It's at:http://forums.taunton.com/fw-knots/messages?msg=34129.8Welcome to the forum,Dan

1. 
   NWIslander | Oct 13, 2007 03:06am | #5

   Thanks for the link -- and for the welcome.I've been doing rudimentary woodworking (endless numbers of bookshelves, simple beds and bureaus for the kids room, simple tables and desks, stuff like that) for quite awhile, but as I'm getting retired I'm hoping to learn more skills and make some more complicated items -- heirloom cradles for the grandchildren, fine sconces for our retirement home, a grandfather clock, etc.) I've been reading FW for a few years, but only just subscribed to the online version and am having tons of fun watching videos, looking up articles, and reading these forums. I'm sure I'll be taking lots of advantage of all the accumulated wisdom here!

2. 
   mufti | Oct 13, 2007 09:26am | #6

                Now that is just the job, Dan, and I am most grateful for your help. We not only are entertained here, but when push comes to shove we have the best source of information.

   We are tripping over boatbuilders in this region so I will make a few trips. Thanks again!

3. 
   cowtown | Oct 15, 2007 06:52am | #7

   you wouldn't be talking about the makita "baby sander" would ya?

   it takes a 1x21 belt, and long ago some clued in hardware store clerk pointed out that you just take a 3x21 belt and slit it into three, trim of the loose threads, and bob's yer unkle....

   maybe that helps ya...

   Eric in Calgary

1. 
   mufti | Oct 15, 2007 12:16pm | #8

               Thank you for the ask and suggestion Eric, but this in one of those times when bargains turn into something else. The sander is a Bosch GVS 350 AE using a very short belt and having a very pointy front roller. I have very long belts, which fit nothing, to cut up for other purposes. All I have to do is marry the two.

   I have found a source of Kelvar and will ask a boatbuilder for advice regarding very flexible epoxy. Saving a few bob may cost a fortune, but what the heck, I'm learning. 

1. 
   RickL | Oct 15, 2007 03:10pm | #9

   You are correct about saving money will cost you more than buying the proper belts. I did some experimenting years ago  and ended up buying custom belts for less. My belt source uses some special adhesive that requires 3 days to properly cure. I actually have their source of adhesive but haven't bothered pursuing it as it's just not worth the trouble and the quantity is more than I need to experiment plus they guarantee their belts so it's a no brainer.  Epoxy is too stiff especially around small diameters. If you still feel the need to pursue this contact 3M or some other adhesive techs to see if they have anything to recommend.