"Frank Boettcher" wrote in message
...

Well I got out a new box of 3 x 21 120 grit sanding belts to do
some
sanding on a butcher block table top, and in a matter of five
minutes
I went through five of them. The glue seams would not hold.
The
sander was tracking perfectly.

Admittedly, these belts while a new box had been stored for a
while,
maybe 5-6 years in my shop that is not climate controlled. I
have a 4
x 24 that I use most of the time so the smaller sander gets
less use.
However, I thought the shelf life would be a little better.

So what is you're favorite belt, particularly in terms of
sanding
longevity and shelf life?

Frank

Pretty much the same equipment here, but I've never had more than
an occasional problem with the seams separating. Well, excepting
a guide that wore out and started pulling the papers apart! That
one hit the junk pile g.

I imagine it's pretty much a matter of getting what you pay for?
Dunno - it'll be interesting to see what responses appear. The
only actualy old belts I have are a bunch of metal oxides given
to me about ten years ago, and last I used them, they were fine,
which was about two weeks ago. Unfortunately they're only 80
grit though. Maybe grit makes a difference? I'm sure the sander
design has something to do with it, too, epsecially if you
tension it too tight; my 4 x 24 is adjustable and variable speed,
the other one's just a spring tension and constant 2-speed (zero
or max!). And of course, a lot older.

Pop