Quick answer: Yes – we manufacture custom sanding belts in any width from 1/2" to 67" and any length from 48" to 138", in aluminum oxide, zirconia, ceramic or silicon carbide, in about three business days, with low minimums. To order, measure your belt (width first, then length – split the joint and measure end to end, or lay it flat and double the measurement), identify the material by color, and send us the size, grit and material. We'll quote within one business day.
Why we make custom belts direct
Maverick Abrasives has made sanding belts in Anaheim, California for almost 30 years, as a family-run company. We traditionally supplied medium and large production shops, and we still do – but we decided the same industrial-grade belts should be available to individuals and small shops too, instead of the generic hobbyist paper on the hardware store shelf. So we sell direct, with no minimum order that would shut out a one-person shop.
Need a custom size belt or disc? We make any size in about 3 days with low minimums. Request a custom belt quote and we'll reply within one business day.
Step 1: Measure your belt
Belt sizes are always written width first, then length: a 37" x 60" belt is 37" wide and 60" around. Width is easy. Length trips people up because a belt is a loop – there are two ways to get it right:
- Split it. Cut through the tape at the diagonal joint with a razor, open the belt into a strip, and measure end to end. This is the most accurate method.
- Lay it flat and double it. Press the loop flat, measure from fold to fold, and double the number. A loop that measures 12" flat is a 24" belt.
If you don't have a belt, measure the machine: wrap a tape around the path the belt takes over the wheels, pulled snug. Our belt measuring guide and the video below walk through both.
Watch: how to measure a sanding belt
Step 2: Identify the material
If you're replacing an existing belt and want the same abrasive, the color tells you what it is:
| Color | Material | Marking on back | Used for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown to reddish brown | Aluminum oxide | A/O or ALO (sometimes) | Wood, metal, plastics, composites – the all-rounder |
| Black or dark gray | Silicon carbide | S/C (sometimes) | Glass, stone, and fine finishing on wood at 220–320; not for heavy removal |
| Green or blue | Zirconia | Z, Z/A or Z next to the grit (Z60) | Heavy removal on metal and wood |
| Red or orange (occasionally purple or bright green) | Ceramic | Varies | Grinding steel, stainless and hardened metal; knife making |
Not sure which you need? Tell us what you're sanding and the machine, and we'll recommend one. Our guides to aluminum oxide vs. zirconia and ceramic belts cover the choice.
Step 3: Choose grit, backing and splice
- Grit – 24 to 400 and finer, depending on material. See our grit grading guide.
- Backing – J-weight for flexibility, X-weight for general work, Y-weight for heavy grinding, paper for wide belt finishing. See backing weights.
- Splice – butt (bi-directional, our standard), lap, or sine-wave. See lap vs. butt splices.
What we can make
| Range | |
|---|---|
| Width | 1/2" to 67" |
| Length | 48" to 138" (shorter file belts and longer sectional belts on request) |
| Materials | Aluminum oxide, zirconia, ceramic, silicon carbide, surface conditioning |
| Lead time | About 3 business days |
| Minimums | Low – small shops welcome |
We also make custom sanding discs in any diameter, hole pattern and attachment.
How to order
Use the custom belt quote form, email sales@maverickabrasives.com, or call our sales line at 714-646-3299. Send the width, length, grit, material and quantity and we'll come back with a price and lead time – usually within the hour during business hours. Because we're the manufacturer, custom sizes don't carry a premium, and orders ship free.
