Replies

1. 
   woodensplinter | Apr 14, 2005 04:14pm | #1

   In some ways, you may be right.  In all the reading I've done, especially over the last six or eight months, two things seem to be happening.  The firsts is that quite a few of the  manufacturers are going to the European grading system which has tighter tolerances on grit sizes.  Essentially, up to about 220, the grit designations are very similar but the particle size distribution in the European system does not allow for the extreme spread in individual grain sizes (the particles are more uniform in size).   This may make the sandpaper cut a little less aggressively, but the finish should be a bit smoother.  The letter P is normally used to distinguish the European standard but is not necessarily adhered to.

   The other thing their flogging now is the stearate (sp?) coated papers.  These are, to my knowledge, coated papers which don't allow wood fibers to plug the sandpaper, allowing it to cut a bit more aggressively and last longer.  The only downside I've read about with these papers is that they may present a problem with water based finishes.  Apparently the coatings are some type of wax base which can potentially prevent good penetration by water based products.

   Although I have not done it, it may be worth while to have a look at the web site of 3M or Norton (or whatever brand of paper you use) to see what's happening.

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 15, 2005 09:37pm | #5

   Ditto to Douglas on Klingspor.  Get their printed catalog and try some of their paper. forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   douglas2cats | Apr 14, 2005 05:02pm | #2

   I've been pretty happy with Klingspor at http://www.woodworkingshop.com/

   Prices and shipping times are pretty good. Their website could use a makeover though. It's sometimes tough to find things there, but there catalog is worth getting.

    

   Waddaya mean it wont fit through the door?

3. 
   WillGeorge | Apr 14, 2005 07:39pm | #3

   I use alot of the BigBox (menards) sand papers. I have never had a problem.. Not the 3M brand..

   I think it is made in Canada... I guess I'm lucky ?

1. 
   AndyEngel | Apr 15, 2005 03:33pm | #4

   Look for an article on this topic in about two months.

   A hint? You probably get what you pay for.

   AndyAndy Engel

   Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine

   Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig

4. 
   Floss | Apr 15, 2005 11:45pm | #6

   Dave,

   Try the Norton 3X. It lasts a good long time, cuts fast, less prone to clog. Easy to fold and tear. It is more expensive but you get what you pay for.

   J.P.

   http://www.jpkfinefurniture.com
5. 
   Elcoholic | Apr 15, 2005 11:47pm | #7

   I'm pretty happy w/ Mirka H&L disks and I can get them locally.  I've never heard any complaints about Klinspor.  Before I switched to W/B finishes I used 3M sterated PSA paper.  I've used Norton H&L disks in a pinch, but don't like theirs as much as Mirka, especially since they came out with the 5" H&L disks meant to work for 5 and 8 hole sanders.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   The more things change ...

   We trained hard, but it seemed that every time we were beginning to form up into teams, we would be reorganized.  I was to learn later in life that we tend to meet any new situation by reorganizing; and a wonderful method it can be for creating the illusion of progress while producing confusion, inefficiency, and demoralization.

   Petronious Arbiter, 210 BC

6. 
   len1 | Apr 16, 2005 12:14am | #8

   Hi Dave:

   I'd like to ditto j.b. on the Norton 3X plus they have 3 packs so you can try it without spending too much.......Len

7. 
   Yogi | Apr 16, 2005 12:32am | #9

   Thanks all for your input-  I'll put your suggestions to the test-  And.........I'll pay, I'll pay!  Dave

1. 
   PJohn | Apr 16, 2005 01:23am | #10

   Hi, Dave...Ditto Norton 3X. I've also been getting considerably better than average performance from "Saitac" brand purchased at local industrial supply. Drawback (for some)- it's Euro-mfd import.---John

8. 
   DougU | Apr 16, 2005 03:00am | #11

   What Elcoholic says about Mirka.

   The shop I'm in uses PC from the big box stores, that stuff dont last at all.

   I get the Mirka from Tool Crib, like it a lot.

   Doug

9. 
   woodensplinter | Apr 16, 2005 05:15am | #12

   Glad to see so many responses and opinions.  Must mean somebody's doing something out there.  LOL.

10. 
    Rickk | Apr 16, 2005 02:04pm | #13

    Hi Dave, try Supergrit.com good prices & good paper.

1. 
   RonInOttawa | Apr 16, 2005 04:40pm | #14

   Am I the only one who uses a crepe block to clean the smutz off a disk before I throw it away? I usually find that I can get more use out of a disk before it's truly toast, and the idea appeals to the Scot in me.Regards,Ron

1. 
   forestgirl | Apr 16, 2005 07:34pm | #15

   "Am I the only one who uses a crepe block...?"  Ooooo, not at all.  I use mine on all my sanders, and it works great.  Realllllllly makes a difference.  Funny, when I was at the WWing show last week, a couple of guys were looking at the crepe stick.  I mentioned how well they work.  One guy had been using them, so he already knew.  His friend looked at me and looked at the stick and walked off, like "Yeah, right!  I'm not that dumb."  Little does he know.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   Rickk | Apr 17, 2005 04:03pm | #17

   Ron, I use the block/cleaner all the time,just don't like paying 10.00 for one..Oh well it works    

1. 
   RonInOttawa | Apr 18, 2005 02:10am | #18

   I usually tell folks to look around in their basement or attic for an old pair of crepe soled shoes. If you cut a block out with a band saw or even a hack saw, it should last for years. Again, that's the Scot in me. The Cherokee in me says that I should be able to trade my homemade crepe block for something better. The German in me says that I should only use one made by the best industrial processes. The Irish in me says that a Guiness fixes everything!Regards,Ron

1. 
   garth | Apr 18, 2005 07:51pm | #19

   I like that Irish solution.Scott T.

11. 
    frenchy | Apr 17, 2005 12:34am | #16

    Dave,  I still get the longest life from 3 M top brand (purple in color )