6" x 2-1/2" Expandable Rubber Drum Wheel for Diamond Resin Abrasive Sleeves

The 6" x 2-1/2" Expandable Rubber Drum Wheel is a wide-format, heavy-duty lapidary and glass grinding accessory designed to mount 6" x 2-1/2" flexible diamond resin belts, silicon carbide sanding sleeves, and polishing bands without messy adhesives or mechanical fasteners. Operating via centrifugal force, the precision-slotted resilient rubber rim expands outward as the machine spins, firmly gripping the abrasive sleeve for smooth, vibration-free cabochon shaping and broad contour finishing.

Key Features

• Centrifugal Self-Locking Action: Angular expansion slots expand smoothly under operational rotational speed, securing sanding belts tightly with zero slippage or adhesives.
• Expansive 2-1/2" Broad Contact Surface: Provides extra width for processing larger cabochons, freeform stones, slab faces, and art glass bevels efficiently.
• Instant Sleeve Interchangeability: The rubber drum relaxes instantly when rotation ceases, allowing abrasive sleeves to be swapped in seconds without tools.
• Resilient Rubber Shock Absorption: Cushions hand contact, conforms smoothly around curved stone contours, and prevents chatter marks and faceting flat spots.
• Standard 1" Arbor with Reducer Bushings: Includes precision bushings to mount seamlessly onto 3/4", 5/8", and 1/2" machine arbors.

Applications

• Lapidary Cabochon Shaping & Smoothing: Supporting flexible diamond and silicon carbide sanding belts for agate, jasper, quartz, jade, and opal cabbing.
• Art Glass Cold Working & Edge Polishing: Edge smoothing, bevel pre-polishing, and surface refinement in glass art studios.
• Woodworking & Non-Ferrous Metal Finishing: Contour sanding of curved woodwork, knife handles, and non-ferrous metal components.

Technical Specifications

• Diameter: 6 inches (152 mm)
• Width: 2-1/2 inches (63.5 mm)
• Belt Compatibility: Standard 6" x 2-1/2" (circumference ~18.85" / 479 mm) flexible sanding sleeves and belts
• Arbor Size: 1 inch (includes 3/4", 5/8", 1/2" reducer bushings)
• Material: High-Grade Oil & Water Resistant Resilient Rubber with Balanced Core
• Recommended Operating Speed: 1400–1800 RPM

Operating Guidelines

• Never run the drum at full operating speed without a sanding sleeve installed, as centrifugal force without a belt can over-expand the rubber rim.
• Keep the contact surfaces clean; wipe away rock sediment or glass swarf before slipping on fresh abrasive sleeves.
• Always operate with adequate water coolant when working with lapidary stone and glass materials.