Tiger
Member
Do you go by number of pens made, feel? I wash mine in a little detergent every now and then, it seems to last forever especially the higher grits.
I had a set that was about a year old that still worked. I finally replaced it, and the new set worked a lot better. So even though it's working, doesn't mean it's not time to replace it.
I use the smaller (around 2x2 rounded corners) pads. I mark one side with a sharpie (I letter them A-B-C-D-E, so when I eventually drop them, I know what order they go in without the little chart...), and use the unmarked side. I also use them diagonally, so I'm using the corners of the pad only rather than the whole thing, so figuring for random selection of the corner used, they should last quite a while. If I'm thinking that they are wearing out, I try the marked sides, and if it seems significantly different, then I start using the marked sides, and buy a new set next time I get a chance... If I start to question the marked side, I don't bother checking, I just toss them and start using the new set...
Took your advice and changed them, first thing i noticed was how much quicker the new pads cut, had to remind myself to be gentle. Result was a little bit better than previously but there were still some very fine scratches that i couldn't remove.
Thanks Mark, i start at the 400 grit MM, i'll try starting at 600 (green) although i know it will take a little longer to sand by starting at this point.Took your advice and changed them, first thing i noticed was how much quicker the new pads cut, had to remind myself to be gentle. Result was a little bit better than previously but there were still some very fine scratches that i couldn't remove.
I'm not a very good pen turner so take this with a bit of caution... I believe it was Marko50 who when I mentioned the same problem... suggested I to start with a higher grit. I may have been putting in deeper scratches with lower grit paper than I was able to take out... Just a thought for you to consider.
I was turning Alumilite which is soft, and using wet sanding, but the concept is the same... Start as high in grits as applicable. I have noticed an improvement.
I like Todd's ideas, except i use numbers - it is easier than the alphabet!:tongue: