Best sanding belt material?

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I have a PC VS 3x21" belt sander and am using it to feather the edges of some 14 gauge mild steel.  Right now I am using ALOX belts purchased from Sears, but they wear out more quickly than I would like.Any recommendations for type and brand?Chris
Reply:I've found that the zirconium oxide abrasive far outlasts the aluminum oxide.  It may be 3x the price, but it lasts at least 5x as long.Its usually colored blue, or some other odd non-traditional sandpaper color.
Reply:Norton blue zirconia.Or the 'new' orange/red ceramic abrasive belts.Or some 3M or Klingspor.  Or Lehigh Abrasives.Per Norton, reduced belt life is caused by:Too fine a grit, so use a coarser grit.Too much pressure, so use less pressure and let the abrasive do the work.http://www.ind.nortonabrasives.com/D...00000000003947Main Norton 'indusrtial products site  http://www.ind.nortonabrasives.com/home.asp  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRisePer Norton, reduced belt life is caused by:Too fine a grit, so use a coarser grit.Too much pressure, so use less pressure and let the abrasive do the work.
Reply:Originally Posted by MoonRiseOr the 'new' orange/red ceramic abrasive belts.