• January Turning Challenge: Thin-Stemmed Something! (click here for details)
  • Conversations are now Direct Messages (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Gabriel Hoff for "Spalted Beech Round Bottom Box" being selected as Turning of the Week for January 6, 2024 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

Scotch-Brite pads

Joined
Jul 2, 2009
Messages
9
Likes
0
Location
Crossville, TN
Does anyone know of a source for Scotch-Brite pads that has Velcro backing? I use them on my air sander for knocking nibs off of finish and I am getting real tired of gluing hook and loop paper to them.

Thanks. Bear
 
Does anyone know of a source for Scotch-Brite pads that has Velcro backing? I use them on my air sander for knocking nibs off of finish and I am getting real tired of gluing hook and loop paper to them.

Thanks. Bear



Ted, I use scotchbrite pads all the time on velcro backed pads that I make myself. I use an MDF disc with foam attatched to it, and velcro glued to the foam. You need to find the non "industrial" version of velcro from a sewing or craft store. This type has fewer, but more pronounced and more pointy hooks, and hooks into the scotchbrite pads just fine. I have no problem using it on my mandrels and a sioux 2500rpm and makita 2800rpm drill. The only thing about using this type is that while it works better for the fibrous scotchbrite pads, it doesn't hold quite as well for hook&loop paper. I use the "industrial" series velcro that has the short, more numerous smaller hooks. It really has a superior hold on paper.
 
Nate, thanks for the suggestion. I am hoping that I can find a pad that will work on the air sanders that I have without any kind of alteration as I change back and forth from sandpaper to the Scotch-Brite pads often. The method that I use now works, it is just an aggravation having to glue a sanding disk to the Scotch pads. Thanks again. Bear
 
Since you are going to do this by power sanding, you will get much more constant results by using a Abranet or Vinces Sia Air velvet. Abranet starts at 360 grit then 500, 1000,2000,4000 and the SIA product starts at 1000.
The problem with using a woven product is it loads up in inconstant ways.
 
Adding to what Steve said, there are better ways to get a smooth surface than ScotchBrite.

A test of Scotch-Brite pads in Fine Woodworking magazine several years ago concluded that their scratch pattern was not at all uniform and suffered from a large variation in particle sizes and the occasional very large particle or an clustering of smaller particles that had the same effect. I think we need to remember that Scoth-Brite was originally marketed for cleaning pots and pans, and consistency of grit and scratch pattern were of lesser concern. It was later that woodworkers discovered it could be used for sanding and 3-M found a new market.

My own experience with the pads has been similar - they are good for rough clean-up of a surface and they are relatively easy to clean, but there are far better ways to get a better final finish on a surface.
 
Last edited:
Hello Russ and Steve,

Thanks for your input about the Scotchbrite pads. Perhaps I was not clear in my initial posting; the pads are not being used for final finishing or even for turned objects. I do custom cabinets and furniture sprayed with one-step PreCat lacquer. The pads are used in between coats to provide for adhesion for the next coat of lacquer and does a wonderful job and in my experience, does not load up like sandpaper. It also lasts much longer than sandpaper.

The ML Campbell rep recommended nothing finer than 320 grit in order to ensure adhesion.

I spoke with Vince and though he does not stock the 5†size that I need, he is ordering some in for me.

Again, thanks guys for the input.

Bear
 
Back
Top