"Battling with a 'sticky' or 'smoothing' issue? Send your questions to our highly qualified technical team on all issues concerning adhesives, adhesives tapes, abrasives and automotive cleaning. They'll get back to you with some solutions."
What can I do to lengthen the life of my sanding belts
that seem to clog at times?
"Don't throw away your old clogged sander belts and discs … Wash them!"
When the wife's not looking sneak out with her oven cleaner, the type that works cold.
Now hang your clogged belts or discs in a well-ventilated area and spray the whole belt or disc with the oven cleaner. Try not to wet the back. If it is not 3M polyester, it will curl. Leave for 10 minutes and using clean water, spray off the wood/resin, which should now be soft and loose. Don't leave longer than 10 minutes as the caustic will weaken the splice/joint. Leave to dry and reuse.
Once the grit has worn down completely, the belt will tend to burn. Now is the time to get your new 3M Polyester belt and/or disc.
If no oven cleaner is available, a solution of caustic soda and water can be used.
Recipe:
- 1 x teaspoon caustic soda
- 2 x litres water.
Safety Caution:
Wear eye protection at all times. Wear rubber gloves when working with caustic material and adhere to manufacturers safety instructions.
Bonus Tip:
A crepe rubber block can be used to prevent belts loading but if left too long, the belt will have to be washed.
Stay focused. Until next time.
You can send your queries to:
Abrasives - gdoosthuizen@mmm.com
Adhesion & Adhesive Tapes - tknott@mmm.com
Automotive - laogle@mmm.com
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