Sanding Supplies

[Mike in CA]

Where do you purchase your sandpaper?

I've been getting sheet packs of 3M and Norton papers at a large orange store in #80 throught #600. I think I'm correct that finding as grit sizes get finer, the paper may change from aluminum oxide to silicone carbide, (or visa-versa.) The #600 paper is black wet/dry, and the lesser papers, such as #400, #320, are 3M yellow backed paper. The #220 and below are, I assume standard aluminum oxide.

I did a search here on sanding and read through dozens of threads on methods and what types of paper everyone likes. But not many spoke of their sources. Maybe that's to avoid appearing like adds for stores. I could research prices of on-line outlets and compare with my local home improvement centers, but no - that's what this forum is for. Besides, I'm lazy. I hope this sparks some good replies.

 

[Mark Mandell]

Mike,

If you're going to the Symposium, check out Moderator Steve's booth. 😀

 

[Rob Wallace]

I also have gotten some good abrasives at Steve's booth last year in Kansas City. For my general sanding, I've been very happy with Klingspor's "Bargain Box" - I've been using these abrasive assortments for over a decade. Additionally, the "Klingspor Gold" that has a super-flexible cloth backing is outstanding for turning - my favorite general abrasive for turning, by far. The 3M blue sheets are excellent for flat work, but are a bit expensive. I recommend you have a look at a 'Bargain Box' from www.sandingcatalogue.com (Click on 'Bargain Boxes' in the menu column on the left of the home page), and try one. Rob Wallace

 

[Frank Kobilsek]

Don't use the black stuff ...

... on unfinished wood. It will get in the pores and you won't get it out.

Locally (Menards) I buy the 3M yellow up to 400 and use 600 Finkat I buy from Crafts Supply as far as sheet goods good. Steve's discs are great and the Crafts Supply Artisan grade are a decent value.

Frank

 

[Steve Worcester]

Where do you purchase your sandpaper?

I've been getting sheet packs of 3M and Norton papers at a large orange store in #80 through #600. I think I'm correct that finding as grit sizes get finer, the paper may change from aluminum oxide to silicone carbide, (or visa-versa.) The #600 paper is black wet/dry, and the lesser papers, such as #400, #320, are 3M yellow backed paper. The #220 and below are, I assume standard aluminum oxide.

(Silicon Carbide is the black stuff and usually used for wet or dry applications or metal/glass/ceramic use in general)
Aluminum oxide is available up through about 1200-150, but usually not in sheets. Most sheet manufacturers only go to about 400 because that largest consumer of it is the cabinet/woodworking industry who generally don't go must finer. The solid surface industry (countertops) are starting to drive some new products out though. I do see that Klingspor on their website shows the aluminum oxide wet or dry, in sheets up to 1200.
Disks on the other hand are easily obtainable up through 1200.

 

[pencheff]

There's sandpaper then there's sandpaper

Where do you purchase your sandpaper?

A couple months ago I bit the bullet and forked up the extra dough for some Norton 3X paper in grits 180 through 320. Maybe I had just been using junk abrasives before but I'm very very pleased with how much better this stuff cuts and how much longer it lasts. Got it here

http://www.bealltool.com/products/other/sandpaper.php

... because that was the best price I had found to date. It may be available for less elsewhere by now.

 

[woodwish]

I've had good luck with Klingspor. I use a lot of the small disks on my angle drill on their foam-backed pads, and they are pretty good. They don't last as long as some of the more expensive brands but they are good for the money. I also bought one of the big boxes of sanding rolls cut-offs, and they have been great for the money. I tend to accumlate the stuff, you can never have too much sandpaper! 😱

 

[Vince Welch]

Hi Mike,
I am using a Blue Flex Micro disc. These discs are available from 80-2000. These discs are heat treated alumiun oxide. These discs are not paper backed product and because these discs are not a paper basked product they are able to be electrostatically charged when the abrasive is applied which allows the abrasive to be applied in a more uniform fashion which in turn provides a more consistant abrasive. In addition, because these are not paper back these discs are tear resistant. They are heat treated so they are non loading and longer lasting then any other discs I have used. They come in 2 3/8 size and 3 3/8 size which is larger then the discs I was use too. Feel free to contact me for more information. Vince

 

[Mr. Don]

sandpaper

I echo everyone on the Klingspor products!!! I have repeatedly got the bulk packs (they pay shipping!!!!) and cut my own discs (8" dia. on down to 1") and use spray adhesive for "peel and stick". They have a great quality product and the cost is very reasonable. I also get the 20 belt assortment on the 4"x36" belts for my belt sander, and they are commercial quality ones, and with shipping they figure out to about $2.86 each. KOOL!

 

[Martin Braun]

I also have gotten some good abrasives at Steve's booth last year in Kansas City. For my general sanding, I've been very happy with Klingspor's "Bargain Box" - I've been using these abrasive assortments for over a decade. Additionally, the "Klingspor Gold" that has a super-flexible cloth backing is outstanding for turning - my favorite general abrasive for turning, by far. The 3M blue sheets are excellent for flat work, but are a bit expensive. I recommend you have a look at a 'Bargain Box' from www.sandingcatalogue.com (Click on 'Bargain Boxes' in the menu column on the left of the home page), and try one. Rob Wallace

I think it's www.sandingcatalog.com . I couldn't get the other spelling to work. But I haven't been to that site before today, so hopefully it's the right one.