Edge Sander--What Grit(s)?

[Matt Meiser]

Now that I have an edge sander (Griz G0512) on the way I was going to order some belts since I've read complaints about the stock one. What grit(s) do you recommend?

I'll probably order from Supergrit as long as the ones I want are available with butt joints--site says Aluminum oxide are "Superb top skived overlap jointing or taped butt joints both with no bump." and from what I've read I don't want the overlapping joint. They also have Zirconia belts (butt jointed) for a couple bucks more--are they worth it?

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I've found that 120g or 150g is the finest. Any finer and burning or burnishing may occur (my machine has a fairly fast belt speed).

I also recommend some very coarse grits like 36g or 40g. They are nice for shaping stuff.

Oh...I recommend a sanding eraser too

-Jeff :)

[Matt Meiser]

I've got a couple eraser sticks. Not sure why a couple but I do...

What grit to you use most often. I'm thinking I'll order something coarse something fine, and a couple everyday grit, which I'm thinking is maybe 80 or 100?

[george wilson]

Zirconia belts are better. I use 80 grit,150,and 220 for general use.Yes,get the butted belts. I use the 220 for small things,but it will burn if pushed much.

[Steve Clardy]

I use Hermes brand.

Mainly 80 grit.
Some 120
Once in a great while, 150

[Leo Graywacz]

I get the range or 60-150 and 150 is what I usually have on my machine. I rarely use the 60 but the general use of my machine is for edge sanding cabinet doors and not shaping.

I have been using belts for these guys (http://www.ballewsawandtool.com/shop/sanding-belts.html), $8 a piece for the 6 x 108 and they are decent quality. Definitely not high quality, but for 1/3rd the normal price what do you expect? I have been happy with them.

[Jeffrey Makiel]

I agree with Steve's line up. Except, of course, I always have that one belt of 40 grit also. :).

Getting butt joined paper vs. lap joined is also a very good suggestion as mentioned above. It gets rid of that annoying thump. It also makes the belt bidirectional which is good since the side of the belt closest to the platen always sees the most use.

-Jeff :)

[glenn bradley]

Like Steve, mainly 80, some 120. With your lower speed you may be able to go finer if you plan to use the sander that way. I find 120 brings me to where some 220 hand effort gets me pretty much ready for finishing in most cases.

[Karl Brogger]

I've never bought anything other than 80grit. If I had an oscillating sander I'd maybe use 100grit.

I use only 3M abrasives, for everything.

[James Boster]

I have an osscillating edge sander and use 120 grit. Mainly because I have a large supply of the 120's. Really can't see the need to go any finer.

[Matt Meiser]

Thanks all. I ordered some 80's, a 50, and a 120 from Klingspor today.