Sand paper

[fitzman163]

What is the best sandpaper to use???? I have a box from Wood Craft with 4 grits from 150, 240, 320, and 400.I end up with scratches I have a hard time removing. Any help?

[NewLondon88]

Originally Posted by fitzman163

What is the best sandpaper to use???? I have a box from Wood Craft with 4 grits from 150, 240, 320, and 400.I end up with scratches I have a hard time removing. Any help?

I think 400 would still be a pretty rough finish for a pen. I usually go up to
600 if I'm going to switch to MicroMesh, or up to 2000 if I'm just using
sandpaper. Depends on what I'm sanding..

Depending on your skill with cutting tools, you might be able to START at
400 grit and work up.

[hilltopper46]

I bought a roll of the wood turners abrasive from Woodcraft in 600 grit and was very disappointed with how it scratches. I quit using it. I use either 3M premium (Sandblaster) or Norton premium (3x?) available at Home Depot up to 400 grit. Higher than that I use wet/dry at 600 and Micro mesh.

[thewishman]

I use the Norton 3X - 200, 320, 400. Woodcraft has a pretty good price in the 20 count box. I cut the pieces in 3/4" by 4" strips, a box lasts a long time.

[rherrell]

Originally Posted by fitzman163

What is the best sandpaper to use???? I have a box from Wood Craft with 4 grits from 150, 240, 320, and 400.I end up with scratches I have a hard time removing. Any help?

I agree with Charlie, START at 400 and you'll notice a BIG difference. 400 and then MM to 12000 is what I use for wood prior to a CA finish.

[JimB]

Are you sanding with the Lathe off and going with the grain with every other grit? It makes a world of difference.

[GoodTurns]

400 is a good STARTING grit! Once in a while I'll use 320, but normally, 400 is the start. Make sure you sand side to side with each grit as JimB said, it will make a big difference. Get a set of the MicroMesh sheets (woodnwhimsies.com ... good people, good prices), the 1500 sheet is close to a 400 sandpaper and goes up to 12000, which is about like Charmin. I usually MM through 3200 to 4000 depending on the finish I will use, acrylics and antlers, all the way to 12000.

[Wildman]

I like the sanding rolls from “Hut.” Bought both cloth & heavy paper back 1” x 10 meter sanding rolls. Not so impressed with the cloth 240 through 600 grit, it’s okay. Really like the 800 through 2,000 grit paper back rolls.

Http://www.hutproducts.com

[BruceA]

I've been using a product from Industrial Abrasives that is a 2" disc that is fabric-backed, and called Hook and Loop Discs. I use the 400 and 600 grit.

Here's the link: https://commerce.riverweb.com:8003/01711.html

They are excellent for acrylic, as they hold up very well to wet sanding and can be reused many times. They are also good for wood, and can be "washed" in a washing machine to clean them for reuse.

I've also found 800 grit cloth-backed disks, and tried them. I find that 1500 and 1800 grit MM are actually coarser than the 800 grit discs. The 1500-1800-2400 grits in MM, when used after 400 and 600 grit discs, is a good sequence to take down both acrylic and wood to a level to start the polishing process from 2800-12k MM.

I've also used a batch of Klingspor (Gold) cloth-backed 1" rolls in 400, and 600grit (gray) that do a nice job. Unlike the hook and loop discs, it's use once then throw away.

I highly recommend using MicroMesh (MM) in your sanding regimen.

I am using a skew, and then always start with 400 grit.

[jttheclockman]

Originally Posted by rherrell

I get all my sandpaper at Industrial Abrasives..... http://tinyurl.com/6apapw
Their 50 sheet packs go for about $16. I like the white silicone carbide.

That is the same place I have been getting my paper for 15 years. Can not seem to beat their prices and I always can get them cut into sheets that I want or use most. Also get the roles for my drum sander.