An abrasive subject I want to discuss

Eric Patterson

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Staff member
So several years ago I went to an estate sale and bought a very large supply of 5" and 6" Klingspor sanding discs. I got so many I figured my shop would be stocked for years. Eventually I took inventory and realized I had a lifetime supply of the higher grits, like 220, 400, and even 600 (never heard of anyone going that high on wood), but was lacking the most commonly used grits of 80, 100, and 120. I took a stab and ordered Mirka brand sanding discs off Amazon and tried them. Let me tell you, those discs are excellent. Price is quite reasonable and they last a very long time. So if you are looking for some sandpaper and come across this brand I say give them a try. One might think that sandpaper is sandpaper, all the same, but it isn't. Good sandpaper saves time and simply does the job better. I'll be buying Mirka again.

Eric
 
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Eric Patterson said:
I had a lifetime supply of the higher grits, like 220, 400, and even 600 (never heard of anyone going that high on wood),

Eric

Eric,
I go to 600 on my bowls even 800 or1200 grit on occasion. Now you can say you know someone who does. [;)] The wood will start to shine even before any finish is applied. I do agree the there is a difference in sandpaper quality both in how well it cuts and how long it last.
 
Dave

Yes, I've used higher grits on the lathe, but typically not in disc form. I buy rolls of 1" wide strips and tear off a few inches at a time. The higher grits on a random orbital or dual action sander isn't something I've typically done, but then again some people do put very high end finishes on wood and start with wood so smooth it shines, just like you said.

Eric
 
Eric,

I use sanding strips when doing spindle work. For bowls, I've been using a 2 inch round padded disc in my Foredom tool. I'm liking being able to cut in both directions (and at varying angles to the grain) with the Foredom while the bowl is spinning. It does a better job of smoothing out any tooling marks left from turning tools.
 
Eric,
I bought 60 and 80 grit Mirka Gold Random Orbital disks to use on the Cackler, and was very satisfied with both how long/well they cut and effectiveness of the Velcro backing. Really seemed to resist plugging up while cutting epoxy. Also been happy with Sungold 4x36 belts, but not sure they are anything special. Was comparing them to the belts that came with my Harbor Freight 4x36 belt/6" disk sander, and they were (not surprising) night and day. Have bought HF abrasives before, and been very disappointed. got the Mirka and Sundgold based on Amazon recommendations.

BTW, I inherited an older Craftsman (maybe ~2000 model) 4x36 belt/ 6" dish sander, so I may be yardsaling the HF one. Huge quality difference.
 
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