<b>Jim</b>, If you're looking for a cheap alternative for the MicroMesh pads use the packing foam from hard drive sellers or any thick heavy foam like that. []
You can also cut up an old mousepad to use for MicroMesh backing.
You can use your MicroMesh like a sling if you cut it into strips and hold it by the ends to sand your pens when the lathe is spinning. I learned that last from Herr Doktor Cavanaugh who says he likes to turn things fast und he does![}]
Hey you forgot, I like to turn things fast and good!
To buy micro mesh by the sheet, I use this company http://www.internationalviolin.com/ They sell micro mesh by the 6x12 sheet for $4. I use the sling method of polishing to keep the micro mesh moving to avoid overheating and melting the micro mesh.