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Sanding belts breaking

john lucas

AAW Forum Expert
Joined
Apr 26, 2004
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I have glass blower friend who came over yesterday to ask if I knew how to fix sanding belts that come apart at tge joint. I had the same problem a few years ago..apparently when the belts get old the glue holding the backing goes bad. I was told by klingspor that they could not be repaired.. surely there is a way. Anyone know?
 
That’s been an issue for almost 20 years, probably more! There are several ways to get a temporary fix, none as good nor last as long as the original. Best fix is to limit quantity purchases if you don’t use them fast. Since I’ve slowed way down using a belt sander, I just buy a couple at a local store.
 
Ive joined belts on industrial equipment plenty of times. Using the right adhesive on clean surfaces is required. In this case I would think a good flexible epoxy would do a decent job. All the old adhesive should be sanded off the ends, the edges of the belt clamped against a straight edge for alignment with the fresh adhesive n place. A bit of saran wrap or box tape over the seam and a board clamped on top to squeeze the seam flush will make a smoother join.
If you want to research look up cold splicing conveyor and flat drive belts. Main difference is the sanding belts have an angle splice for a smoother travel but it all works the same.
 
I purchased 20-30 belts or more on a “great deal.” A few years ago I started noticing the glue joint would break almost immediately when starting to use them. I learned my lesson the hard way. I threw them away and just buy a few at a time now.
 
Life is too short for cheap sandpaper! (Should that be in all caps, bold or red ink?)

OK I admit... it has been ages since I have used a sandpaper belt... well, other than to cut it open and stretch it out to flatten the sole of an old hand plane. ;-)
 
I use CA glue to fix commercially made belts and to make my own custom belts (butt and lap joints). It works great. To repair belts, you have to scrape off the old glue to get a good bond. I’ve done this for many years.
 
I use CA glue to fix commercially made belts and to make my own custom belts (butt and lap joints). It works great. To repair belts, you have to scrape off the old glue to get a good bond. I’ve done this for many years.
me too
 
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