The variety of crankshaft polishing belts can seem overwhelming at times. After all, you have straight edged, scalloped edged, premium, micro polishing, fine polishing, super-micro polishing, cork, grit, grain, backing material, bond and the list goes on.
Today, we're going to explain some of the differences and how to choose the right belt for the crankshaft you're polishing.
Grit : This is probably the element you're the most familiar with. Grit is representative of the size and number of grains per square inch. The higher the number, the finer the abrasive grains and the less material will be removed.
Grain : Also known as abrasive, this is the type of material the abrasive grains are made of. Most common abrasives are Aluminum-Oxide or Silicon-Carbide. Which one you choose is dependent to what material you are polishing and personal preference. Aluminum-Oxide tends to be more aggressive for use on harder materials while Silicon-Carbide is used on softer materials as it isn't as aggressive.
Backing : The abrasive grains must be bonded onto some sort of backing. It is usually a woven cloth to allow flexibility when polishing. Most Goodson belts have a "J-Weight" backing which means it's about the weight of blue jeans. "J-Weight" = jean weight.
Shape : You can choose from straight-edge or scalloped-edge belts. We recommend using the scalloped-edge belts for radius polishing. The scallop yields into and polishes the radius without the chance of leaving a line on the finished crankshaft.
Now, let's take a quick look at the crankshaft polishing belt options available from Goodson:
Standard Polishing Belts are the backbone of the Goodson product line. These belts are Aluminum-Oxide and are available in 240, 320 and 400 grit. Sizes range from 60" to 91" long and 3/4" to 2" wide. Standard Scalloped-Edge belts are available in 64", 72" and 91" long and 1" wide only in 320 grit.
Fine Finish Polishing Belts are a very aggressive belt that many customers call "the blue-backed belt." They are Aluminum-Oxide with a flexible woven back and 2-layer resin bond. These belts are available in 320 and 400 grit; 60" to 91" long and 1" wide.
Next up are Scotch-Brite Style Micro and Super-Micro Finish Belts. These belts give a non-direction finish and both feature a resin bold. The Micro Finish belts are Aluminum-Oxide while the Super-Micro Finish belts are Silicon-Carbide. Both are available in lengths from 60" to 91" and widths of 3/4" or 1". They're generally used for a final finish.
If you prefer a Satin Finish, try the Goodson Abrasive Cork Super-Fine Finish Belts. These 800 grit belts won't disturb polished radii. The Silicon-Carbide belts are available from 64" to 91" long and 3/4" or 1" wide.
A few years ago, Goodson added a line of Premium Aluminum-Oxide Crankshaft Polishing Belts. These belts have a very flexible j-weight cloth backing with a high strength joint. They are available in the standard 60" to 91" lengths, 3/4 or 1" wide in 600 and 800 grit for an exceptional finish.
Last but not least is another premium belt available from Goodson - the Premium Ceramic Micro Polishing Belt. This scalloped belt features a structured abrasive specifically designed to be used with polishing rouge (CPR-16). This belt is only available in a 1" width from 60" up to 77" long.
One last thing (we promise) - Did you know that almost all Goodson Crankshaft Polishing belts are made right here in our shop in Winona, MN? That's right, we operate a division called, Abrasive Industrial Supplies that makes coated abrasive belts to order, and not just for us. If you need a custom size abrasive belt, give us a call! We've got you covered. Check out the Abrasive Industrial Supplies website for more information.
As always, if you have any additional questions about these or any Goodson products, contact the Goodson Techxperts by email or call 1-800-533-8010.