abrasive cleaner

[lorbay]

I am seeking some help on the rubber crepe abrasive cleaners used to clean your sanding belts or discs. Seen here
When I polish brass I use them to remove the brass dust from MM pads, and now with much build up on the cleaner they seem to be turning very sticky and gummy. Does anyone know if brass has a chemical affect on this type of rubber or crepe? Thanks.
Lin

 

[The Penguin]

instead of cleaning MM with the crepe rubber, why not throw the MM pads into a container of soapy water, or run them through the laundry?

 

[lorbay]

instead of cleaning MM with the crepe rubber, why not throw the MM pads into a container of soapy water, or run them through the laundry?

Too slow this method only takes a second.
Lin.

 

[Dan Hintz]

Worse comes to worst, take a thin slice of the rubber off of the end... the brass isn't effecting it, but it may be getting contaminated at the end, so cut it off.

 

[lorbay]

Worse comes to worst, take a thin slice of the rubber off of the end... the brass isn't effecting it, but it may be getting contaminated at the end, so cut it off.

Actually I have got the brass dust all over it and the entire block has turned slimy. Not a big deal to buy a new one but just wanted to make sure it is the brass that is doing this. Not sure I can clean them as nothing seems to get it off without soaking them, and who knows what that will do. I tried cleaning them off on a course sanding belt and it just plugged up the belt.
Lin

 

[wouldentu2?]

Are you using any polish or chemicals while shining the brass?

 

[Wood Butcher]

This is from Rockler's site:

How to Clean Sanding Discs and Belts with Your Used Silicone Caulk

Here's a good substitute for those rubber blocks you can buy to clean off sanding belts and discs. Just let a tube of silicone caulk cure hard. Peel the cardboard back, and use it like the store-bought alternatives to refresh your abrasives.

WB

 

[lorbay]

Are you using any polish or chemicals while shining the brass?

Dave no I am not , that's the funny part.
Lin