dgelnett
Member
So how do you know when your MM is worn out? I know you can wash it to extend its use. It always feels smooth to me so that just leaves looking at it for worn spots.
Just to be different, I will disagree. I have never wet sanded anything, wood or acrylic (don't care for water in my shop). I also have used the same MM sheets for about 3 years. I do wash them on occasion and they still perform well and I'll put my finish next to about anyone's and feel confident in it being up to par. Of course this is my opinion, take it as you wish after all it was provided at no cost. :wink:Micro Surfacing Products suggests alway using MM for wet sanding, they suggest water, I suggest mineral spirits, 'cause wood absorbs water. If you want to replace your MM quite regularly, use it for dry sanding as the heat generated will ruin it. It's hard to believe that the MM Woodworking Kit I purchased back in the day for $29+ now sells for $57+!
hunter-27 said:Just to be different, I will disagree. I have never wet sanded anything, wood or acrylic (don't care for water in my shop). I also have used the same MM sheets for about 3 years. I do wash them on occasion and they still perform well and I'll put my finish next to about anyone's and feel confident in it being up to par. Of course this is my opinion, take it as you wish after all it was provided at no cost. :wink:
Landon
hunter-27 said:Just to be different, I will disagree. I have never wet sanded anything, wood or acrylic (don't care for water in my shop). I also have used the same MM sheets for about 3 years. I do wash them on occasion and they still perform well and I'll put my finish next to about anyone's and feel confident in it being up to par. Of course this is my opinion, take it as you wish after all it was provided at no cost. :wink:
Landon
The whole wet sanding thing is something that I have never heard of until recently. I use my MM pads dry as well for a year or more and never wash them. When it comes time to sand - I take a folded up paper towel and brush them off in front of the dust port. I might try washing them to see how that improves - but I have no interest in wet sanding and my finishes usually come out like glass. If someone wants to send me a pen that has been done with wet sanding : ) I would be glad to compare and photograph using a macro lens.
Martin
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The reason I asked this question beside not knowing was that I noticed my old MM got my pen shinier than my brand new ones. It did take longer to use the old MM which made me assume they are ready to be replaced but when I saw how much shinier the pen is I thought I would hold off a little longer.
The reason I asked this question beside not knowing was that I noticed my old MM got my pen shinier than my brand new ones. It did take longer to use the old MM which made me assume they are ready to be replaced but when I saw how much shinier the pen is I thought I would hold off a little longer.
This should not be the case. When MM wears out all you are doing is burnishing the finish as opposed to sanding. Make sure you are sanding in the proper order. Some of those colored MM pads the colors look way too much alike. If you use out of order you maybe taking a step backwards when you get close to the final steps and the pad after it can not take the swirl marks out. Just some more thoughts.
When dry sanding I get about 20 pens out of a set and wet 50. Anyone want my old ones??? seems like some of you guy's will get another 6 months out of them.Lol
Lin.
I agree with this. I use just 600 dry after turning then apply CA & wet sand from 600 & MM to 12000. I never wet sand wood before finish is applied.I am still amazed at those that say they sand wood with MM. Can't figure at why you would use such expensive sandpaper. If you are putting CA on a wood pen there is no need to go over 800 grit at all. If you want to carry it to 2000 grit go and buy some automotive sandpaper. How many people do other woodworking??? Do you MM that before putting a finish on it and if not what is the difference and please don't tell me because you take a pen and look under a microscope. I don't believe it.
And wet sanding wood that is a new one to me. Again I will refer to other woodworking projects, do you wet sand them too. Imagine wet sanding that desk you built. :biggrin:
I have two sets. One for dry sanding and the other for wet. When deemed necessary by my Eagle eye, I wash them in soap and water.I just started using MM. I didn't realize you should use it wet. It is also interesting that some are recommending to NOT use water.