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After heavy use on the belt sander, especially with high resin woods, I'd use Easy-Off to soak the loose belt then rinse it in a bucket of warm water. It was always a messy job to do and clean-up.

So I decided to give it some thought for a better way and came up with this;

Using a piece of 4 1/2" PVC piping about 24" in length and 2 adjustable bands (a second modification). I now wrap the belts around the PVC pipe, spray with Easy-Off, let sit as directed then rinse with warm water and let dry.

No more messy cleaning and washing.

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Michael Lloyd

“I was born to ignorance, yes, and lesser poverties ...
I was born to privilege that I did not see ... I didn’t know it, but my way was paved” – John Gorka

Old tennis shoes work well, as well as natural rubber blocks available at suppliers.

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Nice tip, Michael. I've been tossing my belts at that stage. Thanks to you I now know a way to salvage them, if I'm not to lazy.

Hmm....

Though I generally avoid recommending Harbor Freight products, they sell a "Sanding Belt Cleaner" that's inexpensive ($8.50) and really works. It's a block of crepe rubber (1.5" x 1.5" x 8"). I rub it across my still running belt or drum sander after I'm finished sanding and the paper comes remarkably clean -- even with oily woods or glue residue.

You can also use old silicone sealant which has set inside the tube. Remove the tube first, of course.

You can also use old silicone sealant which has set
inside the tube. Remove the tube first, of course.

I'd be concerned about silicone, even cured stuff, creating problems for finishing
on anything that gets sanded by said sanding belt.
Curious as to what everyone else thinks...

I have never seen anything that will take African Blackwood or Cocobolo off of sand paper. Post videos of ur stuff doing it. I use easy off. When I need aggressive sanding on those woods, I use 36 grit. Never clogs. Trick is knowing when to stop and switch to 80 grit.

m

Remember Hush Puppies? They work too. They had crepe soles.

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formerly known around here as burbank
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http://www.patfosterguitars.com