|
redrockrods
|
 |
« on: June 05, 2009, 01:42:47 pm » |
|
I'm curious to know if it's possible to make your own leather belts for expando drums out of a leather chamois cloth for use with a polishing compound. My preferred online vendor doesn't carry them leather belts, and I'm anxious to try polishing that troublesome piece of picasso on a non-contaminated belt. I have the chamois and some Cerium oxide powder. Has anyone here tired something like this before?
|
Don
|
|
|
|
Seth
|
|
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2009, 02:14:06 pm » |
|
I never tried to make a belt. I have made several flat lap sponge backed polishing discs. I get leather from a saddle shop and use only the smooth slick side and charge it with 50,000 diamond paste and it will put a glass polish on most rocks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Taogem
|
|
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2009, 07:50:33 pm » |
|
I don't think the Synthetic leather type material I have been using is considered a Chamois, but that is what I am using with tin oxide..
I have been waiting for delivery of several cloths for a month now from a UK company.. Don't know what the heck is taking so long, but have found myself becoming somewhat dependent upon them ever since Jon sent me some.. The material is just excellent. Not sure why exactly but the perforated type works best and lasts longer.. I tried the non perforated and it went to pieces quickly..
|
|
|
|
|
akansan
|
|
« Reply #3 on: June 06, 2009, 08:08:17 am » |
|
I think it would come down to the seam for the belt. If you could find something that would keep the two edges together and smooth (unless you're using a bump-bump drum), then I don't see why it would be any different than any other type of belt. I do wonder why the supplier of leather belts stopped making them. Perhaps because they last too long?  |
|
|
|
|
redrockrods
|
|
« Reply #4 on: June 08, 2009, 02:48:58 pm » |
|
an update: Chamois does not work well in a wet environment...the stuff expanded as soon it got wet and flew right off the wheel. Plus, as akansan guessed, the seam came apart. I think I'll try making a belt out of felt for my next experiment.
|
Don
|
|
|
|
The Polished Pebble
|
|
« Reply #5 on: June 08, 2009, 03:56:31 pm » |
|
Felt will not hold up either. The fibers in felt are just compressed together - not woven.
I don't know why you couldn't make your own leather belt. You would need to shave (bevel) the ends down & use an epoxy to glue them together. Making sure you let them dry completely - they should work.
I have worked with leather in one fashion or another for my whole life. I don't know what thickness, etc. you are looking to replace.
If you gave me some more info I might be able to help.
Connie
|
|
|
|
|
redrockrods
|
|
« Reply #6 on: June 10, 2009, 01:31:55 pm » |
|
I think I need to come up with some kind of sturdy base for the belt and then glue or epoxy the felt or leather on top. This way I'm not depending on the surface material to maintain the shape and structure of the belt as it spins. Maybe a fiberglass tape... It's probably just cheaper in the long run to buy a few specialty belts online, but I can't seem to find an leather belt for an 8"x3"wheel.
|
Don
|
|
|
|
travelerga
|
|
« Reply #7 on: June 10, 2009, 03:39:44 pm » |
|
I tried a leather belt. it was costly and did not last fr more than an hour. I was using CO on it. I think is a good way to go but,"I think a lot", I think the next belt I will by from an abator. I will have them cut the leather from the cows leg. It is already round,thenall you need to do is shrink it.
|
IN Vino Veritas
|
|
|
|
Taogem
|
|
« Reply #8 on: June 15, 2009, 04:41:59 pm » |
|
I don't think the Synthetic leather type material I have been using is considered a Chamois, but that is what I am using with tin oxide..
I have been waiting for delivery of several cloths for a month now from a UK company.. Don't know what the heck is taking so long, but have found myself becoming somewhat dependent upon them ever since Jon sent me some.. The material is just excellent. Not sure why exactly but the perforated type works best and lasts longer.. I tried the non perforated and it went to pieces quickly..
Ok, after waiting a month now, apparently the company out of the UK is not going to be sending what I ordered.  Guess I have to go through some steps at the bank to try and get my money back... The company is not even responding to my emails or customer support messages. Jon's local 99 cent store is out and does not appear to be getting more of this particular perforated synthetic type leather material again. I have shopped until I am blue in the face with no luck. I would rather find a source for this exact same perforated material, but has anyone else besides Jon used a synthetic leather material like this or have a online source for a synthetic leather that has worked for them?   |
|
|
|
« Last Edit: June 15, 2009, 04:43:55 pm by Taogem »
|
Report Spam
Logged
|
|
|
|
|
redrockrods
|
|
« Reply #9 on: June 15, 2009, 11:22:08 pm » |
|
I'll keep my eye out for it at the craft and material stores around here and let you know if I find any thing like it.
I ended up fashioning a couple of belts out of duct tape, using the sticky side to adhere strips of craft felt. I haven't put it to the test yet, but if it works, It should supply me with an endless supply of felt polishing belts... I ran the belt dry on a drum and it stayed together so maybe it will work...
|
Don
|
|
|
|
Subscribe in a Reader 
