1. Home
  2. Glass Crafts
  3. Wet belt sander surface speed

Wet belt sander surface speed

I know this is a pet subject of some at the moment but I thought I would ask a tech question about them. I have been asked to repair what I believe to be an Essemce wet belt linisher, it currently runs at about

18m/s (60ft/s) and the owner has said this is overheating the glass edge and causing it to crack even when used as intended wet. The belts are silicon carbide. Does anyone have any info about suitable speeds. Essemce have replied that the speed is OK but haven't actually said it is one of theirs yet. I haven't actually used the unit but got asked to service it as it was noisy. Main problem with it is that at least one of the lower drive wheel spindle bearings have seized and the shaft was rotating at about 1500 rpm within the bearing inner races and showing considerable play, about 3mm TIR.
Reply to
David Billington
Loading thread data ...

On every make wet belt sander I have seen, with the exception of Covington( I have never seen a large beltsander of theirs), the bearings are the biggest problem. Fix the bearings first, then give it a try, I can't imagine if run correctly that it would crack glass.

Reply to
Javahut

Thanks Java I was wondering about that. The bearings to put it politely are f***ked at least on the lower drive spindle. I expect to have to machine a new drive spindle from the evidence so far. Essemce said the surface speed was OK so the problem may be due to the bearings. I'll do some more digging over the weekend re surface speed. Regarding size this linisher stands about 1.8m high (6 ft) and is probably 2.2kw (3hp) or

3kw (4hp), not sure as no makers plate has been found >
Reply to
David Billington

As you are in the UK, I have no knowledge of the machines there, but why would they be any different or run by people that are any different. Usually someone "reefs" (over tightens) the belt because they think that big sucker is going to go somewhere, and that puts too much tension on the outer edge of the bearings to make them wear crooked. Usually parts are inter changeable, unless you have a machine shop and it is easier to make a spindle than buy one.

Reply to
Javahut

I can't imagine a wet belt of almost any grit cracking glass at anything short of warp speed? I'm wondering if it's not getting wet at all? Sometimes it may spit lots of water, but it's not actually getting the belt wet.

Reply to
Glassman

The speed shouldn't matter if there is enough water flooding the area. I have a diamond wheel that is modified and runs at about 2500 rpm. No matter the speed if it runs to dry it will heat up. I think a lot of times people cut back on the water because it tends to spray all over. Also, the guy may have been trying to hog out to much at a time. The Silicon carbide belts will "dull" pretty quick. You may suggest to him to consider a diamond belt. If you treat em right they'll last a long time,, and worth the extra $.

Randy Hansen SC Glass Tech. San Diego, CA.

Reply to
Randy H.

InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.