High-Performance Sanding Belts for Metal, Wood, Composites, and More
Explore Our Range from Coarse Grinding to Fine Finishing – Custom Size Orders Welcome
At Empire Abrasives, we carry an extensive range of premium sanding belts and grinding belts, meticulously engineered for every project from aggressive stock removal to delicate finishing. Our belts are proudly made in the USA and renowned for unmatched durability and consistent results. With over 50,000 belts in stock for fast shipping and custom sanding belt solutions readily available, Empire Abrasives is your trusted source for all abrasive belt needs.
Sanding Belt Buying Guide
Step 1 - Sanding Belt Sizes (Choosing the Right One by Sander Type)
| Sander Type | Common Sizes | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Handheld/Detail Sanders | 3/8" × 13", 1/2" × 18", 1/2" × 24" | Detail work, tight spaces, intricate shapes |
| Small Portable Sanders | 1" × 30", 1" × 42", 1-1/2" × 30" | Knife making, small parts, precision work |
| Medium Portable Sanders | 2" × 36", 2" × 42", 2" × 48", 2" × 60", 2" × 72" | General woodworking, metalworking, fabrication |
| Large Portable Sanders | 3" × 21", 3" × 24", 4" × 21", 4" × 24", 4" × 36" | Large surface prep, heavy stock removal |
| Floor Sanders | 7-7/8" × 29-1/2", 8" × 19" | Floor refinishing, large flat surfaces |
| Long Belt Sanders | 3" × 132", 4" × 132", 6" × 89" | Continuous production, automated systems |
| Industrial Wide Belt Sanders | 25" × 48" to 52" × 103" | Industrial manufacturing, wide panel processing |
Custom Sanding Belts
Need custom sanding belts? If your machinery requires non-standard sanding belt dimensions, we can help. Empire Abrasives can get your custom sized sanding belts made quickly. Whether it's a unique length, width, or a specific abrasive material for your custom belt, our specialists are ready to assist.
Step 2 - Choosing the Right Sanding Belt Abrasive Materials
The abrasive material of your sanding belt is key to its performance, durability, and the finish you'll achieve. Different materials excel on different surfaces like metal, wood, or plastics. Here’s a quick guide to the abrasive grains and materials we offer.
| Abrasive Material | Primary Applications | Performance Characteristics | Typical Grits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum Oxide | Wood (hard & soft), plastics, composites, general metal use. | Versatile, economical, good for general purpose sanding. | 24–1000+ |
| Zirconia Alumina | Hardwoods, carbon & stainless steel, aluminum, heavy stock removal. | Aggressive, self-sharpening, fast cut rate, can be used wet or dry*. | 36–120 |
| Ceramic Alumina | Super alloys and heat-sensitive metals (stainless, titanium, nickel), severe grinding. | Most aggressive, longest lasting, self-sharpening, cool cutting, can be used wet or dry*. | 36–120 |
| Silicon Carbide | Glass, stone, concrete, plastic, paint, fine finishing, sharpening. | Extremely sharp, friable (breaks down easily), provides finest finish, can be used wet or dry*. | 24–1000+ |
| Surface Conditioning | Metal finishing, blending, deburring, cleaning, rust removal. | Non-aggressive, flexible, creates a uniform satin finish. | Coarse / Medium / Fine |
*Wet Sanding Compatibility: Some Zirconia, Ceramic, and most Silicon Carbide belts are suitable for wet sanding. Always check product specifications.
Sanding Belts FAQ
How do you measure sanding belt length?
Not sure what size sanding belt to order? If you have an existing belt, you can use that to measure for a comparison.
- For an old/worn out belt you don’t plan on reusing, simply cut the belt and measure it from end to end.
- If your only belt(s) is still in working condition, press the belt flat and measure it from end to end. Multiply that number by 2 and that is your sanding belt length.
How do you clean sanding belts?
Like any other abrasive products, sanding belts can get loaded up with material through regular use. To extend the life of your sanding belts, you can clean most of the accumulated material with a rubberized cleaning stick, also available for sale on EmpireAbrasives.com.
Can I use sanding belts for wet sanding?
Yes, but not all of them. Some zirconia and ceramic belts, and most silicon carbide grinder belts can be used for dry or wet sanding. Be sure to check the product specs on each to make sure the belt material is waterproof.
Do you sell extra wide sanding belts?
Yes, our selection of wide sanding belts and extra large sanding belts are commonly used by our customers with industrial or larger-scale machinery. These larger belts range from 25 inches up to 52 inches in width, and lengths from 48” up to 103”. For other sizes, we do also offer the ability to place orders for custom sanding belt sizes.
Why Choose Empire Abrasives Sanding Belts
- ✓ Over 50,000 belts in stock for immediate shipping
- ✓ Custom sizes available for specialized applications
- ✓ Professional-grade materials to get the best results
- ✓ Expert technical support for application guidance
- ✓ Competitive pricing across all material types
Empire Abrasives serves professionals in metalworking, woodworking, automotive, flooring, and manufacturing industries with the largest selection of sanding belts online. From knife making belts to industrial wide belt sanders, we have the right abrasive solution for your application.