Do Sanding Belts Have a Shelf Life?

Wes Bischel

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Do sanding belts have a shelf life? I was just outside trying to sand down the rough edges of my current project, and the belts on my trusty Bosch kept breaking at the splice. I checked that I put them on the right way etc. But one after another popped. Yet an old worn out Norton belt worked fine.

These are Klingspor belts which are two or three years old - never used, stored in my basement shop along with the Nortons of similar age. I always thought they were known as a good brand, but after tonight's performance, I don't know.

What are your thoughts?

Wes
 
I've had old sanding belts break (come unglued) on me. But I think the new belts are better and the joint lasts a lot longer. Note you can put new belts on in either direction, while the old ones had an arrow indicating direction.

But, to answer your question, yes, I think there is a shelf life to sanding belts.

Mike
 
I agree with Mike. The old ones with the arrows seemed to get real fragile with age, but the newer ones I've used haven't shown the same signs of brittleness. (I really like the blue Norton 3x belts for my belt sander.)
 
The belts that are directional I've never had a problem with them coming apart unless you put it on backwards. Now the newer ones that are NOT directional do have a shelf life. Something happens to the glue as they age and when they heat up in use they seperate. I know its not to much tension cause you can't adjust that on a belt sander.
 
Yea, I think they definitely have a shelf life. I thought I scored bigtime when I bought a bunch of belts at a garrage sale, but they were old and most of them broke after a few minutes of use. I don't think it's just the old style though, I've hade the blue Nortons go bad after a couple of years as well. The heat here doesnt help matters.
 
AWW SHOOT!! I had a bad feeling about this. Thanks for the input guys. I guess it's not Klingspor's problem (it is, and it isn't). Just a case of not getting through the supply in a timely manner. I just need to get into the shop and do more woodworking!!:D

Well, on the bright side, I have a bunch of hand sanding belts now!:D I'll have to make up one of those blocks with the wedges and use them for block sanding.

Thanks again, Wes

Off to buy a few belts.
 
I have found that the big difference in belts has to do with where you buy them (you pay for what you get) and how they are stored (not the age) If they are stored too long laying flat and maybe get flattened out and the crease is on the flap then they are history in no time. I hang mine on a large dia. dowel

Also if they get really hot and dry out during storage they seem to crack. and the pad or foot on the bottom of the sander can rip them apart if it is worn. Many sanders have a SS flap of sheet metel that the blade rideds across, over time the edge wears thin and acts like a planer knife and slices the flap
 
Well, I ran to the Borg this morning and picked up a package of Norton 3X belts one each of 60 and 120. In between rain showers, I ran the coarse belt - no issues. Ran the finer belt - again no issues. If nothing else can be concluded, I know the belts were the problem (versus user ;)). Whether they are too old, or just a bad batch, I dunno.

Thanks again for the input.

Wes
 
Good question on old Belts ! !

I found this very interesting cause I have a bunch of these belts that I've had for five or more years . This tell you that I don"t use the belt sander hardly ever :doh: but if needed its their for sure ................Marshall :type:
 
I have some belts that I inherited from my Dad when he died in ’84. I have used them to strip a deck as well as in general woodworking. I store them on their side in a paper bag and have always kept them in a dry place.
 
AWW SHOOT!! I had a bad feeling about this. Thanks for the input guys. I guess it's not Klingspor's problem (it is, and it isn't). Just a case of not getting through the supply in a timely manner. I just need to get into the shop and do more woodworking!!:D

Well, on the bright side, I have a bunch of hand sanding belts now!:D I'll have to make up one of those blocks with the wedges and use them for block sanding.

Thanks again, Wes

Off to buy a few belts.

I have to disagree. I believe it is the manufacturers fault. In this day of high-tech everything, there surely is a glue that will hold sanding belts together. After all, some parts of jet fighters and space shuttles are 'glued' together. They can do better.
 
Frank,
While I would agree with the technology part of your statement, I think the issue in this case is more the economics of building the belts at a cost we consumers are willing to pay - now if it were the government buying them . . . .:rofl:

Anyhow, I did send Klingspor a nice note asking why these belts would fail the way they did. Here is their response.

Thanks for contacting us!

I apologize that you had problems with the belts. The glue that binds those belts has a 2-year shelf life. In the future, I would recommend not purchasing more than you will use in a 2-year period. We will be glad to replace those belts, so please give us a toll-free call at your convenience. Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Rose, Klingspor's Woodworking Shop


In this day and age I think that's pretty good customer service. I didn't ask for the belts to be replaced, just asked why they failed. Now I know better than to stock up.:thumb: I'll call and see what they say.

Thanks again for all the input. I'm always up to learning something new.
Wes
 
I recently had some fail the same way that I had inherited. Those belts are real handy for some things- sanding paddles, blocks, etc. I was using a 1 x 42 belt sander, my mentor had removed all the guards. The first one that let go would have hit me in the eye if I hadn't been wearing safety glasses. I felt so lucky!
DP
 
Frank,
While I would agree with the technology part of your statement, I think the issue in this case is more the economics of building the belts at a cost we consumers are willing to pay - now if it were the government buying them . . . .:rofl:

Anyhow, I did send Klingspor a nice note asking why these belts would fail the way they did. Here is their response.

Thanks for contacting us!

I apologize that you had problems with the belts. The glue that binds those belts has a 2-year shelf life. In the future, I would recommend not purchasing more than you will use in a 2-year period. We will be glad to replace those belts, so please give us a toll-free call at your convenience. Once again, I apologize for any inconvenience and we look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Rose, Klingspor's Woodworking Shop


In this day and age I think that's pretty good customer service. I didn't ask for the belts to be replaced, just asked why they failed. Now I know better than to stock up.:thumb: I'll call and see what they say.

Thanks again for all the input. I'm always up to learning something new.
Wes

Wes, I'm really please to see Klingspor step up like that :clap:

In the past, my dealings with them have been top notch, sometimes some companies do not like to deal with overseas customers, but Klinspor is one that has never had a problem with that.

Cheers!
 
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