2" x 72" Surface Conditioning (Non-Woven) Belts
What are surface conditioning belts and what are they used for?
Non-woven belts are often referred to as surface conditioning. They are used to clean, blend, deburr and finish aluminum, stainless steel or steel surfaces. These belts, while they seem expensive do last a long time and leave a great finish. Because this is a fibrous sanding belt material, they have reduced loading and head build-up which allows for the longer operating time and consistent surface finishes. This belt has a reinforced scrim backing...although it can shape and form for detail and edge work. Surface Conditioning comes in four different coarseness levels. The coarsest one is a brown color and it provides a scratch pattern of 60 grit. The medium is a red color and provides a scratch pattern of 80 to 120 grit. The fine is a blue color and provides a scratch pattern of 150 to 180 grit. The ultra fine is a grey color and it leaves a 220 grit finish. Surface Conditioning works on materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, fiberglass and plastics, and nonferrous alloys. They are great for getting rid of imperfections in a surface making it smooth and burr-free. Surface conditioning is also great for a consistent finish in fewer steps.
Our surface conditioning belt material comes in four colors
Coarse (brown)
Medium (Maroon)
Very Fine (Blue)
Ultra fine (Grey)
Tips to use surface conditioning belts?
- Light to moderate pressure pressure is recommended for most of the material grades. Keep in mind, a lighter hand may be needed on the coarse grade as it can remove significant material if used too firmly.
- Follow the grit sequence from course to medium to very fine to ultra fine!
What is the grit equivalent of the different grades of Surface Conditioning?
Keep in mind these recommendations are guidelines: the actual non-woven material is not officially rated in terms of grit. However, these recommendations match our (and customers experience) of what to expect.
Coarse: 40 to 60 grit
Medium: 80 to 120 grit
Very Fine: 150 to 180 grit
Ultrafine: 220 grit
- These leather strops are used with polishing compound to finish the sharpening and edge of the knife. Typically these belts last a very long time and most knife makers only have one for each type of compound they finish with—often settling on one single compound and belt to finish their edge.