Micro Mesh

[johnm]

About how many pens do you guys usually get out of a set of micro mesh pads.


What's the best way to keep the pads clean?

 

[jttheclockman]

Good question, I just ordered a set.

 

[LanceD]

Do a search and type in " cleaning micro mesh" You'll get several topics on just that. Lots of pages and good info to read.

 

[stevers]

I've had a set for a couple years now. The first set I did burn, but now I wet sand almost everything. I'd say 100 pens anyway.

 

[rherrell]

At least 100. But I cut mine in 1" strips so it's more like 300. I use compressed air to clean the blank AND the MM after EVERY grit so it lasts a pretty good while.

 

[Rudy Vey]

Don't use the pads much, only the sheet. I have a few sets for many years now, guess every set has seen hundreds of pens. They are washed in the washing machine by my wife, she tosses them in a one of these mesh bags for fine undies. After they come out of the washer she hangs them up and lets them dry. For this duty she gets a pen from time to time:wink:. It seems to me, the older these MM sheets get now, I can do less pens with them before a cleaning is needed. But then I rotate three or four sets.

 

[Rifleman1776]

Lots and lots and lots. This stuff is nearly a permanent sanding product. Just wash and keep using. Expensive to purchase but very economical to own and use in the long run.

 

[johnm]

THANKS EVERYONE

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE ADVICE!

 

[Rifleman1776]

I REALLY APPRECIATE THE ADVICE!

Really, best advice is, in use keep moving and have the turning running a very slow speed. Do not use pressure and be cautious about heat build-up. Otherwise your 'long life' MM investment could be gone in minutes.

 

[MobilMan]

Same here. Been using them for over 3 yrs. Wet/dry sanding. Washout once in a while or compressed air. You'll probaly spend more for sandpaper in the time it takes to wear them out. Darn cheap for the amount of time they last.

 

[Daniel]

here are some details that I don't see mentioned alot. all the grades of MM are carbon (basically) and last and last and last. I know I used my first set for over 200 pens and it could still have kept going, except. there is always an except. The 8000 and 12000 are Aluminum Oxide. and they do where out faster. in my opinion much faster. I know mine start getting a glazed look to them. This is not a huge problem for me because I don't consider the last to grades all that critical but I do like to change those two sheets about 4 times for every one tiime I change the other 7. It would be nice to have a MM set that gives you 1 each of all the grades but 4 pieces of 8000 and 12000. Just FYI you can get sheets of just 8000 and 12000 directly from Micro Surfaces.

 

[Steve Busey]

I give my pads a swipe with my "Abrasive Sanding Belt Cleaner" - like a giant rubber eraser. Search for "Abrasive Cleaner" at Woodcraft or Rockler.

I also use an "old" set of pads for the first sanding pass, then go back over with a "new" set for the final pass. I dry sand bare wood; wet sand acrylics and finishes.

I buy the 3"x4" pads and cut them into 1"x2" strips, so I get 6 working sets from 1 bag. HTH