programmergeek
Member
I need a bunch of sanding pads for pens and various other turnings 80 - 12,000 grit. If they are the larger pads insted of the 2" squairs that is even better. Where can I get them and what brand is good?
Has anyone used the stuff that Barry Gross sells, Abralon??/ It goes to 4000 grit and it looks like it is a pad and is used on wood blanks.
I use the Abranet and I picked up the Abralon a couple of weeks ago. I
haven't opened the box yet. ..
What is the difference between the two if you do find them???? How do they compare to micromesh??? I remember Barry Gross stateing in one of his books he only sands to 4000 using these and he says the eye can not detect any finer finish or sanding. That probably can be debated but was wondering about those pads. Thanks for the info.
I may be the only person here that like Abranet as a sanding product, especially for the course grits of 150 through 400. This stuff lasts MUCH longer than regular sandpaper, with less heat buildup, and works great either wet or dry. I use it expensively if I'm working on blanks that might be a bit delicate or brittle where a lathe chisel might cause a blowout. I use it on wood, acrylic or Tru-Stone.
The cheapest place I've found Abraet is on Amazon.com where it is ~$9.00 for a pack of 9 (2 3/4 X 8 inch assorment pack) grits 80 though 600. I cut each sheet into four pieces and a pack last quite a long time. I of course use Micromesh for the finish sanding which is also an excellent product.
Jim Smith
Micro Mesh is in Grade, not Grit. that doesn't mean much to anyone that is not an engineer though. There is also Micro Mesh MX with 12 grades rather than just 9. this brings it down to the equivalent of 220 grit sandpaper. You can get the MX directly from Microsurfaces. just google Micro Mesh or try microsurfaces.com
MX stops at 8000 rather than 12000 but you can still get the regular 12000 grade.
What is micromesh...a metal or a plastic material? Was curious as how long it is useable. Is this material similar in composition perhaps to Scotch Brite?