Sanding Belts

Do not see your sanding belt size listed? We custom build any size sanding belt. Click here or call 1-888-223-8768 for a custom price quote.

Sanding Belt FAQs

What are the Different Types of Abrasive Grains For Sanding Belts?

We sell aluminum oxide, zirconia, ceramic, and silicon carbide sanding belts. 

Aluminum oxide belts are the most common and least expensive type of sanding belts. Aluminum oxide belts are a good starting point for most wood and metal applications. 

Zirconia belts (also referred to as zirc or zirconia alumina) work best under high pressure and are ideal for coarse to medium grit metal applications. 

Ceramic abrasives provide the longest life and fastest cut rate out of any other type of abrasive grain. Ceramic abrasives are used primarily for metal applications. 

Silicon carbide sanding belts are ideal for grinding glass, cast iron, titanium alloys, and rubber. The grains on silicon carbide belts continually fracture to create new cutting edges for fast stock removal.

If you’re unsure what type of abrasive grain is best for your application, you can contact our abrasive technicians for help at (888) 223-8768.

What are the Different Types of Backings For Sanding Belts?

We sell sanding belts with cloth, paper backings. Paper backings are lightweight, lower in cost, and often provide a smoother finish. However, paper backings are not as durable and can tear or rip easier. Cloth backings are very popular due to their strength and durability. Most of our standard-sized belts are cloth-backed. 

Backings are categorized in alphabetical order in terms of flexibility. More flexible backings will be towards the beginning of the alphabet, where as stiffer backings will be towards the end of the alphabet. J & F weight backings will be the more flexible cloth backings. Y weight backings are heavy duty cloth backings that aren’t as flexible, but are extremely durable.   

Best Sanding Belts For Woodworking

When choosing the best sanding belts for woodworking, it all comes down to the abrasive grain type and coating. The best sanding belts for wood will be open coat aluminum oxide. Aluminum oxide is considered the workhorse of the abrasive world and open coat aluminum oxide is the standard for working with wood. The open coating provides more space between the abrasive grains, which prevents debris from clogging the belt. This is important for wood sanding, which creates a significant amount of dust and debri. If you’re looking for a belt for wood sanding, you’ll want to look for open coat aluminum oxide. 

Best Sanding Belts For Metalworking

There are several types of belts you could use for metalworking. Closed coat aluminum oxide, zirconia, and ceramic can all be used for metal sanding. The best sanding belts for metal will be ceramic belts. As previously mentioned, ceramic belts have the longest lifespan and greatest strength when compared to the other two grain types. Ceramic’s strength and durability makes it an ideal choice for harder materials like metal. 

What Type of Sanding Belt Should I Be Using?

The type of sanding belt that would be best for your application is entirely dependent on what you’re finishing or grinding. We have divided our sanding belt products by application. So, you can view sanding belts best for wood, metal, glass, stone, and more by selecting application filters in the filter options. 

How Do I Know What Size Belt I Need?

If you don’t know what size belt you need, there are a few ways you can go about determining the size. 

If you have an old belt for your machine, cut the belt at the seam, lay the belt out flat, and measure it. 

If you don’t have an old belt laying around, you can take string, wrap the string around your belt the same way you’d install a belt on it and mark the point on the string where the end of the string re-unites with the rest of the string. You can then measure the string from the end to the marking to get the belt length you’ll need. You should be able to measure width by measuring the width of the rollers. 

I Don’t See the Size I Need. Can I Order a Custom-Sized Belt?

If the size you’re looking for isn’t available online, you can place a request for a quote on a custom order. Fintech Industrial Abrasives can custom manufacture sanding belts to be any size. Fill out the custom order form or call (888) 223-8768 to place a custom order. 

Do you Ship Products Internationally?

Yes, we do ship our products internationally. We request that international customers outside of the United States contact us directly for shipping quotes. 

Where are your Products Shipped From?

All of our orders are shipped from our factory in Belding, MI. We aim to ship our products within 3-4 business days from the date of the order. Orders for in-stock items made before 11am will typically ship within 24 hours. 

I Have More Questions. Can You Help?

Absolutely. Our abrasive technicians are more than happy to answer any abrasive and sanding belt-related questions you have. You can call (888) 223-8768 or fill out a contact form to have your questions answered.