Bruce
the belt sander works "well" because it so fast that the 80 grit does not
get a chance to work as 80 grit. The tips of the grit are all that get a
chance to touch the wood, not the sides, so the paper does not have a chance
to remove as much wood as it ought. We use a coarse grit to remove the
necessary damaged wood and leave the good. A belt sander moves too quickly,
generates too much heat, and leaves a case hardened surface. It is good for
removing wood quickly but should be started with a lower number grit than
usual.

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God bless and safe turning
Darrell Feltmate
Truro, NS Canada
www.aroundthewoods.com