How to choose an abrasive belt: size, grit and material
An abrasive belt is chosen in three steps: the exact size for your machine (width by length, for example 75 x 533 mm or 100 x 610 mm), the grit according to how much material you need to remove, and the type of abrasive. In the collection the grits range from 40 to 240 and the materials are aluminium oxide and zirconia. Use 40-60 grit for stock removal, 80-120 for preparation and 150-240 for finishing.
The types
- Belts for portable belt sanders: these are the most numerous. Typical sizes: 75 x 533 mm, 75 x 480 mm, 75 x 457 mm, 100 x 560 mm, 100 x 610 mm. Examples: the 75 x 533 mm belt DT3301-QZ and the 100 x 610 mm belt DT3320-QZ.
- Belts for bench belt grinders and fixed belt sanders: these are longer and wider, with sizes such as 914 x 100 mm, 1000 x 100 mm, 1219 x 152 mm, 1500 x 120 mm or 1750 x 150 mm.
- Narrow belts for electric belt files: widths between 6 and 30 mm, for example 330 x 10 mm or 1075 x 25 mm. They are used for working on tubes, inside corners and hard-to-reach spots.
- Cloth-backed belts: the backing is cloth, which resists tension and tearing. It is the normal construction of an abrasive belt.
How to choose by job
| Job | Recommended belt | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Metalwork and deburring of steel | Zirconia, 40-80 grit | Withstands pressure and heat and removes a lot of material |
| Joinery: planing and levelling boards | Aluminium oxide, 60-100 grit | Removes material well and costs less |
| Finishing before painting | 150-240 grit | Leaves a fine surface |
| Work on tubes, corners and tight spots | Narrow belt (6-30 mm) for a belt file | Gets in where a wide belt cannot reach |
| Workshop with continuous production | Packs of 10 or 25 pieces | You always have the replacement ready and stop the machine less often |
If the same machine does different jobs, keep at least two grits in stock: a coarse one to remove material and a medium one to finish the job. Changing a belt is quick; starting again from scratch after a wrong pass is not.
The features to look at
- Dimensions (width by length): this is the figure that decides whether the belt fits your machine. In the collection the width ranges from 6 to 152 mm and the length from about 330 to 2000 mm. A belt half a centimetre longer or shorter will not fit or will not tension.
- Grit: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, 240. Low grit to remove a lot of material, high grit to finish.
- Abrasive material: aluminium oxide is the general-purpose abrasive, suitable for wood and ordinary steel. Zirconia is tougher and lasts longer in heavy-duty work on metal.
- Pieces per pack: 3, 5, 10 or 25. Useful if you work in batches.
- Direction of rotation: there is an arrow on the inside of the belt, which must be followed when fitting it.
Common mistakes
- Ordering a size that is "almost right": belt sizes are exact. Read the machine's data plate or measure the old belt.
- Fitting the belt the wrong way round: the arrow on the inside shows the direction. Run against the direction, the joint tends to fail.
- Using fine grit for stock removal: the belt clogs and heats up without removing material.
- Carrying on with a clogged belt: when it is smooth or damaged it removes little and can tear. Change it.
- Not centring the belt: after fitting, run it idle and adjust until it stays in the centre of the rollers.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find the size of my belt?
Read it on the old belt (width x length, in mm) or in the machine's manual. If you cannot find it, send us the machine model.
Aluminium oxide or zirconia?
Aluminium oxide for wood and general use; zirconia for heavy-duty work on metal, where the belt has to last under pressure.
How much pressure should I apply?
Moderate: let the abrasive do the work. Pressing too hard heats the belt and wears it out sooner.
Is the belt the same for every machine brand?
It depends on the size, not the brand: if the width and length match, the belt will fit.
All the sizes are in the Abrasive Belts and Pads for Belt Sanders collection; for advice on size or for a quote, write to the AMES technicians.
More articles on this topic
Need this equipment?
The AMES catalogue lists more than 40,000 professional items, and if you are not sure where to start we will help you choose. Ask for a no-obligation quote or browse the rental fleet.