What size sanding abrasive works best for pen turning?

[vwnw]

Hi gang,
I know that when I turn pens I use mostly 2" or 2 3/8" discs and SIASOFT foam backed sanding abrasives. I can tear or cut the SIASOFT into whatever lengths I want. For the higher grits I go with my SIAAIR 3" discs with foam padding on the back and those go up to 4000 grit and then my micro mesh products after that!

However, I was wondering what size sanding abrasives other people use to sand their pens and other small projects? I am going to create a starter kit for Pen Turners that would be useful to Pen Turners supplying what you need most. Please let me know what you use so I can be effective in this process.
Vince
www.VincesWoodNWonders.com

 

[Mack C.]

Hi gang,
I know that when I turn pens I use mostly 2" or 2 3/8" discs and SIASOFT foam backed sanding abrasives. I can tear or cut the SIASOFT into whatever lengths I want. For the higher grits I go with my SIAAIR 3" discs with foam padding on the back and those go up to 4000 grit and then my micro mesh products after that!

However, I was wondering what size sanding abrasives other people use to sand their pens and other small projects? I am going to create a starter kit for Pen Turners that would be useful to Pen Turners supplying what you need most. Please let me know what you use so I can be effective in this process.
Vince
www.VincesWoodNWonders.com

But where's the poll?, or are you just looking for hits on your web site?

 

[randyrls]

Vince; I usually just cut sheets into 3/4" strips. I use regular sandpaper in 150 grit and wet/dry paper in 320, 400, 600, 1000, 2000 grits.

I use my skew for most all turning, and can usually start with the 400 grit sandpaper. dry on wood, wet on acrylic.

 

[vwnw]

But where's the poll?, or are you just looking for hits on your web site?

Hi Mac,
Thank you for the reply. No I am not just looking for hits on my site. I have plenty of transactions already. I was looking for where or how I create a poll but I am not savey as to creating a poll or survey on this site. I will have to seek out how to get that completed on this forum. I did not intend to offend anyone with the posting. Thanks again for the reply. Vince

 

[Mack C.]

Hi Mac,
Thank you for the reply. No I am not just looking for hits on my site. I have plenty of transactions already. I was looking for where or how I create a poll but I am not savey as to creating a poll or survey on this site. I will have to seek out how to get that completed on this forum. I did not intend to offend anyone with the posting. Thanks again for the reply. Vince

Hi Vince; I wasn't so much offended as curious. When I noted you originally had only 4 posts and no poll was added, my cynicism took over. It shouldn't have!

I have seen spammers working this way on other forums, so I thought the worst of you. My apologies, Sir!

I voted for strips (1") which I cut myself from full size sandpaper sheets.

 

[vwnw]

Hi Vince; I wasn't so much offended as curious. When I noted you originally had only 4 posts and no poll was added, my cynicism took over. It shouldn't have!

I have seen spammers working this way on other forums, so I thought the worst of you. My apologies, Sir!

I voted for strips (1") which I cut myself from full size sandpaper sheets.

Hi Mack,
I understand...No harm done and thank you for being honest in talking with me. In your opinion what grit do folks generally sand there pens up too? A couple of years ago I offered 1" strips from 80- 2000 grit and thought they would go over well but they did not. Do you feel folks would rather cut their own strips or purchase strips? I was going to create innerface backing pads for strips as it help to have a firm backing using lower grits and a soft innerface pad on the higher grits. I am wondering if maybe I pulled the line to soon... so I am seeking info. Thanks again, Vince

 

[traderdon55]

To me it just seems easier to keep full size sheets and cut my strips to the size I need depending on what I am working on at the time.

 

[ed4copies]

To me it just seems easier to keep full size sheets and cut my strips to the size I need depending on what I am working on at the time.

+1ditto

 

[HSTurning]

The question was "best for pens" and for me 1" is what works for me.
I use Abranet and MM that I cut the sheets into 1" strips

 

[onewaywood]

I use precut strips from Vince, in fact all my sandpaper comes from him. It's the best available out there in my opinion.