Sand Paper Types

[dudstuen]

I have been using the Wood River 150G-600G pack and was looking to see and compare what others are using. Looking to change up and try something new or better? Looking for ideas and comments from others, please post and share. Thanks in advance.

 

[toddlajoie]

I typically only use grits 400 through 1200 when making pens, but I do keep some 220 around for some difficult times. To make things easy, I only buy wet/dry sandpaper, so I don't need to worry about which I use for wood (dry) and which I use for acrylics & CA finishes (always wet). The local Woodcraft sells them by the sheet (I think they are around 50 cents a sheet) and I cut them in half the long way and then into 1 inch strips, so I end up with a small pile of 1x4 inch pieces that work great for pens, I typically only use about 1/3 of the strip on each grit on each pen, so $3-4 of sandpaper lasts me a few months...

BTW, a tag sale or thrift store paper cutter is your friend here, NOT the one your wife uses for her scrapbooking!!!!

 

[lorbay]

Here are a couple of charts that show differences in grit and types.
Making Sense of Sandpaper
Table comparing sandpaper grit standard in Europe and USA.

Lin.

 

[ironman123]

Lin, those were real informative. Thanks for sharing.

Ray

 

[Wildman]

Many pen turners find these sanding packs convenient. I bought similar box when started turning pens.

Buy WoodRiver Turner's Sanding Pack Sand Paper at Woodcraft.com

I did not like the quality of lower grits, so just went back to buying better quality sand paper here.

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/

There are many places online, whether want rolls or sheets. I have stayed with my link because they have good selection and reasonable shipping.

More info on sand paper:

Bebhionn - everything you wanted to know about sandpaper

 

[Swagopenturner]

I use a lot of abrasives in my cabinet shop for rough sanding, finish sanding, hand and machine sanding. But for pens I have moved almost exclusivly to Abranet and Autonet. These open grit abrasives IMHO are the best for pens and other turnings.

 

[Dan Masshardt]

I bounce around between types depending on what's handy and what I'm doing

I sometimes use the roll

Sometimes abranet

One of my favorites is festool or mirka foam backed squares that I cut in thirds I really like these

 

[mhbeauford]

I usually use Norton 3x, from 80 to 400 ( do large bowls also) and some wet/dry silicon in the finer sizes. Tried various kinds and Norton 3x seems for me to give the most "Bang" for the buck. You can buy it at The Home Depot and various wood working stores, even from Amazon!

 

[kovalcik]

I started with the Wood River set. Worked well for pens, but I wanted something I could also use for bowls and other turnings and I fond it too small.

I changed to 2" shop rolls from Klingspor. The 2" size is not too big for pens and is also a good size for bowls and other turnings. Very good quality. I sand up to 600 and then I go to micromesh. I have rolls for: 80, 120, 180, 220, 320, 400, and 600 though pens normally only see 320, 400, and 600 (Plus Micromesh).

I am now trying Abranet. While it works well for pens, I don't see it being much better than the Klingspor rolls in that application. Probably because the pens do not need much sanding. I find it really shines for bowls. It does not clog and a good smack against the tool rest clears what dust does collect on it. This allows for less heat buildup. It also lasts longer than regular paper.