The codes on the back of a sanding belt are the way abrasive manufacturures designate their different sanding belt materials
Here is a guide to the codes you will find on OnlineSupply and how to choose the best one for your application.
PS22F
This paper backed aluminum oxide belt is for hardwood sanding in wide belt sanders and stroke sanders. The ACT coating helps resist clogging
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – F Weight paper – ACT Coating
PS29F
Our most popular paper backed material. Excellent in both softwood and hardwood appplications on wide belt sanders and stroke sanders.
Aluminum Oxide – Open Coat – F Weight Paper – ACT Coating
LS309J
The J Weight backing of this belt is a little lighter than standard X weight belts making it a bit more flexible. Great for working over slight contours on metal and wood
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – J Weight Cotton
LS309JF
This is the same material as the LS309J above except that it has gone through an extra “Flexing” process to make it even more flexible. Works well on pneumatic sanding drums for contour sanding.
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – J Flex Cotton
LS309XH
Similar to the above except on a slightly heavier X weight cotton backing. Very good price/performance ratio and our top choice for use on portable belt sanders for metal and woodworking.
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – X Weight Cotton
CS310X
Our most “all purpose” material works well for stainless steel, wood, steel, non-ferrous metals and even plastic. If you are not totally sure what material to get or you do a wide variety of abrasive work, choose the CS310X to get your job done.
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – X Weight Cotton
CS311Y
Most popular woodworking belt for heavy duty, production applications. Suitable for wide belt sanders, stroke sanders and most other floor and bench model sanders. The tough Y weight polyester backing provides lots of support coupled with the open coat and ACT coating to resist clogging, this material does well in both hard and softwood applications.
Aluminum Oxide – Open Coat – Y Weight Polyester – ACT Coating
LS312JF
Specially coated sanding material – very similar to LS309JF except that with the special yellow coating this belt stays cool when grinding high carbon steels and surgical steel. One of our most popular belts for the knife making industry especially in the grit range from 100 to 400 grit. Also works well on pneumatic sanding drums.
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – J Flex Cotton – Special Coating
CS320Y
For wet or dry sanding of difficult to machine materials like glass, stone, minerals and plastic. The silicon carbide grain is very sharp and cuts exceptionally quick.
Silicon Carbide – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS321X
Similar to the CS320Y above except on a lighter weight X cotton backing. Available up to 800 grit, this is our finest finishing material for a variety of applications including knife making, stainless steel, wood, glass and plastic.The silicon carbide grain is very sharp and cuts exceptionally quick.
Silicon Carbide – Close Coat – X Weight Cotton
CS409Y
Aggressive cutting action with cool grinding due to the additional multibond coating. Performs well on stainless steel, high alloy steels and non-ferrous metals.
Zirconia Alumina – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS411X
For rough grinding of steel and stainless steel. Very versatile in all areas of metalworking.
Zirconia Alumina – Close Coat – X Weight Cotton
CS411Y
A tear-resistant high performance belt. Similar to the CS411X except with a stronger Y weight polyester backing material. Works well in all metals and especially stainless steel.
Zirconia Alumina – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS412Y
General purpose metalworking belt, can be used wet or dry. Works for steel, stainless steel, non-ferrous metals and also for some wood applications.
Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS416Y
High aggressiveness and abrasive performance. Works especially well on materials that cause clogging due to the semi-open coat. Can be used wet or dry. Optimal use for Stainless steel, plastic, leather and non-ferrous metals.
Zirconia Alumina – Semi-open Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS910Y
Long service life in the toughest applications. Most popular for stainless steel. The multibond coating makes this belt run cooler and avoid heat tinting. No clogging or glazing when used on titanium and other high alloy steels.
Ceramic Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS912Y
Long service life in the toughest applications. General purpose steel and stainless steel. Similar to the CS910Y but without the multibond coating.
Ceramic Aluminum Oxide – Close Coat – Y Weight Polyester
CS931JF
Specially designed abrasive product with a highly flexible backing. Designed for processing of stainless steel and other high alloy steels. Long service life due to the tough ceramic grain. The semi-open coat and additional multibond makes this belt run as cool as possible. The JF cotton backing provides enough flexibility to conform to the shape of the work piece.
Ceramic Aluminum Oxide – Semi-open Coat – JF Weight Cotton
NBF820
Surface conditioning “Scotch Brite” material designed specifically for hand held belt griding machines, often referred to as finger sanders.
Aluminum Oxide – Non-woven
NBS820
Surface conditioning “Scotch Brite” material designed for use on stationary machines. Ideal for deburring, removing discolorations,leveling, matt finishing and roughening. Applications include stainless steel, non-ferrous metals and other metals. Suitable for wet or dry grinding with minimal clogging and long service life.
Aluminum Oxide – Non-woven
Posted by
Robert McDonald
Robert McDonald is the founder and president of Skookum Tools Ltd. and the driving force behind Online Supply, a premier e-commerce destination for industrial supplies, located at www.onlinesupply.ca. With over three decades of experience in the tooling and supply industry, Robert has cultivated a deep understanding of the unique needs of manufacturers, tradespeople, and hobbyists alike.
A passionate advocate for quality craftsmanship, Robert's journey began with a commitment to delivering top-tier tools and supplies to empower his customers to achieve exceptional results. From bandsaw blades and abrasives to router bits and end mills, Robert's expertise ensures that Online Supply offers a curated selection of reliable, high-performance products.
Robert enjoys sharing insights on efficiency, innovation, and industry trends. His writing reflects his dedication to helping customers succeed, whether they’re tackling DIY projects or managing large-scale industrial operations.
