I was wondering what belts i should stock up on, I am assuming from 40 grit to 400 and maybe a scotchbrite belt? I just picked my first grinder. any help would be great.
I have found that in the higher grits the norax are pretty good belts, but I especially like the trizact gators. They last a very long time, and provide a very smooth and even scratch pattern.
If you do decide to get a scotchbrite belt i would advise buying a fine one. I bought a medium thinking it would be a good compromise, and i find the scratch pattern a bit heavier than i would like. I also have not used it much so it may just need to be worn down a bit more to provide the pattern i am after. I currently have a medium scotchbrite, well norton brand but same deal. and the following other grits, 36,50,60,100,120, 220,400,500,600,750, 800. all in various brands and compositions. What i have found is that i can easily go from a 36 hogging, 60 for bevels, then 100 or 120, 220, 400, 600, 800, then hand sand. I know lots of guys that will go straight from 120 to 400 with no issues at all and i could likely skip some of the grits i use. skipping a grit hand sanding can make your life hell, but on a ginder its only a couple extra passes. If you plan to use belts for shaping handles in wood and composites i would advise getting the cheapest AO or zircs you can find for that as they will plug up long before they ever wear out. In wood i like the way the AO cuts better anyway, and find no reason to plug up ceramics for materials like that.
