Unit 208 – 2835 23 St NE, Calgary AB · info@ibexent.com403-250-3399 · Ships from Calgary all across Canada
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VSM Abrasives: Sanding Belts & Coated Abrasives — Canadian Supplier

VSM logo, VSM abrasives in Calgary at IBEX

VSM abrasives in Calgary · German-engineered · shipped across Canada

VSM has manufactured coated abrasives in Hannover, Germany since 1865 — one of the oldest and most respected brands in industrial sanding. From ceramic fibre discs on stainless weld cleanup to aluminum-oxide belts in the cabinet shop, VSM is the brand specifiers reach for when consistency of cut and abrasive life have to be predictable for production scheduling. IBEX Enterprises stocks VSM abrasives including KK751 aluminum-oxide belts, KV707T surface-conditioning belts, XF885 ceramic fibre discs, and a range of VSM flap discs, flap wheels, quick-change discs, and surface-conditioning discs.

Not seeing the VSM product you need? Submit an inquiry or call 403-250-3399.

Why fabrication and woodworking shops choose VSM abrasives

Ceramic grain for aggressive cut and longer life. VSM’s ceramic grain — in the XF885 fibre discs, ceramic flap discs, and quick-change discs we stock — self-sharpens as it wears, holding an aggressive cut rate far longer than aluminum oxide on stainless-steel weld blending, raw-plate prep, and exotic alloys.

Surface conditioning for blending and finishing. The KV707T non-woven belts and VSM surface-conditioning discs take a part from ground to a clean satin finish without gouging — the go-to for stainless rail, architectural metal, and deburring.

Aluminum oxide for wood and general work. The KK751 belts and VSM aluminum-oxide flap wheels are the workhorses for cabinet shops, furniture finishers, and any job sanding wood, primer, or filler instead of bare metal.

Splices that don’t telegraph. VSM uses precision butt-jointed, shaved belt splices that pass smoothly across contact wheels — at 3,000–5,000 SFPM, a bad splice telegraphs into the finish. VSM splices don’t.

VSM abrasives we stock

Aluminum-oxide sanding belts (KK751)

Non-woven surface-conditioning belts (KV707T)

Ceramic fibre discs (XF885)

Surface-conditioning discs

Ceramic quick-change discs (XF285)

Ceramic flap discs

Aluminum-oxide flap wheels

Strip Away discs

Need a belt size or grit you don’t see? We’ll source it from the VSM distribution network, and VSM runs a custom-cut program for non-standard sizes — send a parts list to info@ibexent.com and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

VSM abrasives quick reference

Every VSM abrasives product we list, grouped by type, with size, grain and pack. Click a product to order.

VSM abrasives XF885 ceramic fibre disc 5 inch, 80 gritVSM abrasives ceramic flap disc 5 inch Type 29, 40 gritVSM abrasives 5 inch surface conditioning disc, mediumVSM abrasives KK751 4 x 24 inch sanding belt, 180 grit
ProductTypeSize / mountGrainGrits / gradePack
XF885Fibre disc5″ × 7/8″Ceramic24, 36, 50, 60, 80, 12050 (60 grit: 100)
Ceramic flap discType 29 flap disc5″ × 5/8″-11 hubCeramic4010
XF285Quick-change disc, Type R2″Ceramic6050
Surface conditioning discHook-and-loop5″Non-wovenCoarse, Medium, Fine10
Surface conditioning discQuick-change, Type 32″Non-wovenMedium50
KK751Sanding belt, X-weight cloth4″ × 24″Aluminum oxide150, 180Single
KK751XWide belt9″ × 138-1/2″Aluminum oxide120Single
KV707TNon-woven belt1″ × 30″Non-wovenCoarse, MediumSingle
KV707TNon-woven belt1/2″ × 18″Non-wovenCoarse, Medium10
Flap wheelMounted flap wheel1″, 2″, 3″ × 1″, 1/4″Aluminum oxide40Single (3″ also in a box of 10)
Strip AwayType 27 disc5″ × 7/8″Purple: silicon carbide; Black: non-wovenCoarseSingle

VSM abrasives by grain

Ceramic. The XF885 fibre discs, ceramic flap disc and XF285 quick-change disc use ceramic grain for high stock removal and cool grinding. Ceramic is the first choice for stainless steel, superalloys and aluminum, where a cool cut helps avoid heat discolouration and work hardening. It costs more per disc than aluminum oxide, and on hard metals it usually earns that back in longer life.

Aluminum oxide. The KK751 belts and the flap wheels use aluminum oxide, the all-round grain for wood, primer, filler and general metal work. The 4″ × 24″ KK751 belts are on an X-weight cloth backing that suits portable and stationary belt sanders.

Silicon carbide. The purple Strip Away disc uses coarse silicon carbide for aggressive surface cleaning.

Non-woven. KV707T belts, the surface conditioning discs and the black Strip Away disc use a nylon web with abrasive throughout. They clean, blend and finish without gouging, and remove rust, paint and coatings without damaging the base material.

Disc types explained

Fibre discs have a stiff vulcanized fibre backing and mount on an angle grinder with a backing pad. They are the fastest way to remove a weld bead or heavy mill scale on flat and slightly curved surfaces.

Type 29 flap discs have overlapping abrasive flaps on an angled hub. The angle makes them good at blending welds and grinding edges, and they leave a smoother finish than a fibre disc. The VSM ceramic flap disc we stock has a 5/8″-11 hub and is rated to 12,200 RPM.

Type 27 discs are flat with a depressed centre, which suits flat surface work. Our Strip Away discs are Type 27.

Quick-change discs are small discs that lock onto a holder in a die grinder, so you can switch grits in seconds. VSM uses more than one attachment style: the XF285 ceramic disc is Type R and the 2″ surface conditioning disc is Type 3. Match the disc to the holder you already have.

Flap wheels are flaps arranged around a 1/4″ mount for die grinders and drills, for deburring, cleaning inside curves and finishing in tight spots.

Picking a grit for weld cleanup

For a typical weld cleanup on steel or stainless with VSM abrasives, shops often work in three stages:

  1. Remove: 24 or 36 grit XF885 fibre discs, or the 40-grit ceramic flap disc, to take the weld down.
  2. Blend: 50 to 80 grit fibre discs to remove the heavy scratches and blend the joint.
  3. Finish: 120 grit fibre discs, then a surface conditioning disc or KV707T belt for a consistent satin finish.

Always check the maximum RPM printed on the disc against your grinder, use the guard, and wear eye protection. Our Edge Eyewear page covers safety glasses rated for grinding work.

VSM abrasives by material

Stainless steel. Heat is the enemy on stainless. Ceramic XF885 fibre discs and the ceramic flap disc cut cool, which helps prevent blueing. Finish with a surface conditioning disc or a KV707T belt to get a uniform satin look that matches the surrounding sheet.

Mild steel. For general fabrication, ceramic fibre discs remove welds quickly and the flap disc blends them in one step. Strip Away discs take off rust, paint and mill scale before welding or painting.

Aluminum. The XF885 fibre discs are listed for aluminum as well as stainless and superalloys. Use light, even pressure and keep the disc moving so heat does not build up.

Superalloys. Nickel and cobalt alloys are hard on abrasives. Ceramic grain is the practical choice, because it keeps cutting where aluminum oxide would dull.

Wood, primer and filler. The KK751 aluminum oxide belts in 150 and 180 grit handle fine sanding on wood, and the aluminum oxide flap wheels clean up profiles and inside curves.

VSM belt sizes and the machines they fit

  • 4″ × 24″ is a common size for portable belt sanders. The KK751 belts on X-weight cloth suit fine sanding on wood and metal.
  • 1″ × 30″ is a common bench belt sander size, used for knife work, small parts and deburring. We stock KV707T non-woven belts in coarse and medium for finishing.
  • 1/2″ × 18″ fits file belt sanders, the small air tools used to get into slots and corners. Our KV707T belts in this size come 10 to a box.
  • 9″ × 138-1/2″ is a wide belt for stationary sanding machines. We list it in 120 grit.

If your machine takes another size, send us the width, length and grit. VSM abrasives come in many more belt sizes than we keep on the shelf.

Getting longer life from VSM abrasives

Use enough pressure on ceramic. Ceramic grain sharpens itself by fracturing under load. Too little pressure and it glazes instead of cutting. Let the grinder do the work, but keep firm, steady contact.

Hold the right angle. Flap discs work best at a shallow angle to the work. Holding a flap disc too steep wears out the outer flaps quickly and gouges the surface.

Keep the backing pad in good shape. A cracked or worn backing pad lets a fibre disc flex and wear unevenly. Replace the pad when it no longer supports the disc right to the edge.

Store dry. Fibre discs and cloth belts can curl or warp in damp storage. Keep boxes flat in a dry spot and hang belts rather than crushing them.

Choosing the right VSM abrasive

  • Stainless / exotic alloys (heavy cleanup): ceramic — XF885 fibre discs or the ceramic flap and quick-change discs
  • Mild steel (weld blending, deburring): ceramic fibre discs, then a surface-conditioning disc or KV707T belt to finish
  • Satin / architectural finish: KV707T non-woven belts and surface-conditioning discs
  • Wood, paint, primer, filler: KK751 aluminum-oxide belts and aluminum-oxide flap wheels
  • Edge work and coating removal: Strip Away discs and flap wheels

Not sure? Send a photo or part description to info@ibexent.com and we’ll spec the abrasive for your tool and material.

VSM abrasives for your kind of shop

Structural and miscellaneous steel fabricators go through fibre discs and flap discs fastest. A box of 36-grit XF885 and a stack of ceramic flap discs covers most daily weld grinding, and Strip Away discs handle prep before paint.

Stainless and architectural metal shops need VSM abrasives that cut cool and finish consistently. Ceramic fibre discs, then surface conditioning discs and KV707T belts, take a railing or panel from welded to satin without heat marks.

Maintenance and repair shops keep a smaller mix on hand: a few grits of fibre disc, quick-change discs for die grinders, flap wheels for deburring, and Strip Away discs for rust and coatings.

Cabinet and furniture shops use VSM abrasives mostly in belt form. KK751 belts on portable sanders and the 9″ wide belt on stationary machines cover the fine sanding stages.

Ordering VSM abrasives from IBEX

Every listing shows the VSM part number, so you can reorder the exact VSM abrasives you used last time by searching the number on the box. Fibre discs come in boxes of 50 or 100, surface conditioning discs in packs of 10 or 50, and belts as singles or boxes of 10 depending on size.

If you are switching to VSM abrasives from another brand, tell us what you run now: the tool, the size and the grit. We will match it to the closest VSM product and tell you honestly if we do not have an equivalent. For larger quantities, or sizes we do not list, call or email for a quote and we will confirm current availability and lead time.

Common questions about VSM abrasives

Will VSM abrasives fit my Dynabrade, Hammond, Burr King, or Bader tool?

VSM makes coated abrasives in the standard contact-arm and contact-wheel belt sizes used on North American and German finishing tools, plus fibre, flap, and quick-change discs for angle grinders and die grinders. We stock the most common sizes and can source or custom-cut others — send your tool make/model and the size you need.

Do you carry wide belts for wide-belt and floor sanders?

We list a KK751X 9″ × 138-1/2″ wide belt in 120 grit, and can source other VSM wide belts on request — call with the width, length, and grit and we’ll confirm availability and lead time.

What if you don’t have a size on the shelf?

We’ll source it from the VSM distribution network — call and we’ll confirm current availability and lead time. Special-cut sizes from the German factory take longer; we’ll quote the timeline up front.

What is the difference between a Type 27 and a Type 29 disc?

A Type 27 disc is flat with a depressed centre and works best on flat surfaces. A Type 29 disc has an angled profile that suits weld blending and edge grinding. Our VSM ceramic flap disc is Type 29 and our Strip Away discs are Type 27.

Do fibre discs need a backing pad?

Yes. A fibre disc mounts on a backing pad on the angle grinder. The pad supports the disc and controls how it flexes.

What are Strip Away discs for?

They remove rust, paint and coatings. The black non-woven version is listed for removing coatings without damaging the base material. The purple version uses coarse silicon carbide for aggressive surface cleaning.

How fast can I run the flap disc?

The VSM ceramic flap disc we stock is rated to 12,200 RPM. Always check the rating printed on any disc against the speed of your grinder before you start.

Which VSM abrasives should I start with for weld grinding?

For most steel and stainless weld work, start with a box of 36-grit XF885 ceramic fibre discs for removal and the 40-grit ceramic flap disc for blending. Add 80 or 120 grit fibre discs and a surface conditioning disc if you need a finished surface. That small kit covers most jobs, and you can add grits once you see what your shop uses most.

Can I pick up VSM abrasives in Calgary?

Yes. Choose pickup at checkout and collect your order from our warehouse at 2835 23 St NE, Unit 208. Stock levels change, so check the product page or call us at 403-250-3399 first if you need a larger quantity.

Questions or larger quantities?

Submit an inquiry or call 403-250-3399 for a quote on larger belt orders. Also see Dynabrade pneumatic tools → and Sia hook & loop discs →