Grease Stick for Sanding Belts

Why is grease stick used for with sanding belts?

Grease stick is used to decrease friction and prevent increased heat. In much the same way one may use water cooling to decrease heat and friction to prolong the life of their sanding belt, grease stick functions in a similar fashion. By decreasing the amount of heat, the abrasive grains break down at a slower rate for increase life of the sanding belt.

How is grease stick applied on sanding belts?

Typically the stick is held up grease side towards(no need to peel the cardboard tubing) the spinning belt and moved gently from one side to the other over several seconds. This applies lubricant evenly across the entire width of the belt.

When is heat a problem for sanding belts?

Generally you would think heat is a problem the more aggressive the grit on the sanding belt. However, while every knifemaker does stock removal, beveling, and shaping parts differently, most find that stock removal does not have a heat problem. The amount of stock removal occurring at 36 grit or 60 grit generally removes enough material that heat build up isn’t an issue. Around 180 grit for removing material, heat becomes a larger issue.