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Higher Grit Sandpaper http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10102&t=13671 |
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Author: | Bill Greene [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:19 am ] |
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A friend of mine "swears" by the higher grit sandpaper that StewMac carries, which has the name Kovax on it. Kovax, is manufactured by a Japanese firm, and is distributed in the States as "Eagle", or so I've been led to believe. This friend of mine claims that this particular paper - the StewMac paper - has grit SO uniform, and so much sharper, that is is superior to almost everything else available. My question: what brand name are you using for wet sanding in the 1500+ grit range, can it be bought somewhere other than StewMac and are you totally satisfied with it? Thanks greatly. |
Author: | joe white(old) [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:29 am ] |
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I use 3M Imperial wet sanding paper. I have it in 400, 600, 1000, 1200, 1500 and 2000. I am sure that is available in higher #'s if needed. I have used this paper for years and find it to work extremely well. Any local auto body paint and supply store will most likely have it on hand as well as Keystone auto body part and supplies stores Good Luck! |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:53 am ] |
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I also use 3M that I get from an auto supply store that specializes in auto finish supplies. I have never used StewMacs micro cut papers so I cant compare. Now if you are referring to MicroMesh! that is a whole new ball game as it is not a paper but a cloth backed abrasive impregnated polymer pad. I regularly use Micromesh to polish with. I buy direct from Micro-Surfaces |
Author: | Michael McBroom [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 5:57 am ] |
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I use Micromesh with a stiff foam backing pad. It is available in smallish ~3"x6" sheets, ranging in grits from 1500 to 12000. I buy it at Rockler, who sells it by the piece. Kinda pricey stuff, but it lasts a loooooooong time. For leveling and polishing out a french polish finish, I start with the 1500 and work up to about 4000, then hit the finish with a good, fine polishing compound. My favorite is Hut Ultragloss plastic polish (found it at Woodcraft). Works great for buffing out by hand. Dries a bit too fast to be used with a buffer. Best, Michael |
Author: | Bill Greene [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 6:28 am ] |
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Thanks all. |
Author: | erikbojerik [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:36 am ] |
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I like the soft-foam Abralon pads for this, velcro-backed for use on a RO (or by hand of course). 1000-2000-4000 grit, they last a long time. |
Author: | David Collins [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:36 am ] |
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Keep in mind there are two different grading systems for sandpapers - European (FEPA, or P-grade) and North American (CAMI). The systems are very different, and I don't have a list of who uses which. A CAMI graded 800 for example, is about the same as a P-1500. A CAMI 1500 would probably come to around 4000 rated in FEPA / P-grade. Make sure you know which grading system your abrasive is using before placing a big order. |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:54 am ] |
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Good point David, and when speaking of MicroMesh there is a third. Here is a comparison chart for MicroMesh to FEPA and CAMI |
Author: | npalen [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 7:58 am ] |
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What David said and Michael's chart. Mixing the two systems can produce nightmares. Took me a while to figure out what was causing my nightmares. |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:01 am ] |
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[QUOTE=erikbojerik] I like the soft-foam Abralon pads for this, velcro-backed for use on a RO (or by hand of course). 1000-2000-4000 grit, they last a long time. [/QUOTE] I get MicroMesh the same way I even have a 1" thick foam hook and loop pad for my ROS and finishing sander and you can buy 6" or 5" disks with or without dust collection holes as well as full sheet or 3 x 6 sheets |
Author: | SniderMike [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:12 am ] |
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I like the abralon pads for higher grits too. |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 8:19 am ] |
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[QUOTE=npalen] What David said and Michael's chart. Mixing the two systems can produce nightmares. Took me a while to figure out what was causing my nightmares. [/QUOTE] Yeper it will really mess you up as you get to finner papers. Just try to remove CAMI 400 scratches with FEPA 600. Then you suddenly realise you going up in micron instead of down |
Author: | Bill Greene [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 9:17 am ] |
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OK, for you guys who clearly know what you're talking about...what's the general method you're using for wet sanding with a ROS. So far I've done it only by hand, and that's been fine, but there just HAS to be a more automated way of doing it. Also, I stopped by the auto body store on my way home and picked up a couple of small sheets of 3M Imperial. Mine has nothing on it except the name of the paper, and the grit, and "A" weight of the paper. I'm going to assume (yes, I know what they say about that), that it is CAMI or ANSI...but how would one tell? And thanks, you folks are great! Bill |
Author: | erikbojerik [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 1:37 pm ] |
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First I've heard about the 2 systems...interesting. For wet sanding, I make up a bucket of soapy water (mild hand soap), and usually level off any imperfections or orange peel with 600 grit paper by hand....flat wood block backing for flat surfaces, stiff foam pad for carve tops, soft foam pad on edges. Then I switch to 1000 grit Abralon on the RO, soaked in soapy water & squeezed out. It flings foam everywhere, and I have to rinse, dip & squeeze again...but it works well on the front & back of the body and headstock. Edges and neck I do by hand in the same way. Then 2000 grit, then 4000 grit....same way. The soapy water suspends the fine powder that gets eroded and doesn't allow it to collect on the body. You rinse it off the pad in soapy water and keep going, until the shine starts to emerge with the 4000 grit. Then buff. |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Mon Sep 17, 2007 2:01 pm ] |
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Pneumatic ROS ONLY PLEASE! I like you guy to much for sparky to get ya |
Author: | Bill Greene [ Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:31 am ] |
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Thanks greatly, everyone. OK, last question: My compressor isn't terribly large. At 90psi, it'll hold 5.8scfm steady..but not the 14 that the dynaorbitals use. Any good ideas on a pneumatic sander that can be used with a smaller compressor? |
Author: | Michael Dale Payne [ Tue Sep 18, 2007 2:45 am ] |
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I am afraid you are looking at very short duration at best ROS just eat air. This job in my opinion is best done by hand. It is real easy to sand through a large area without noticing using the ROS |
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