Replies

1. 
   saschafer | Dec 11, 2007 05:48pm | #1

   I get 3M Fre-Cut paper and Norton 3X sanding sponges from Lee Valley. I get Mirka random-orbital sander hook-and-loop disks either from a local supplier (WoodWerks in Columbus OH) or through Amazon.com. Except from some very fine grit stuff, the source of which I don't remember, I get silicon carbide paper locally.

   My favorite sanding block is made of fairly hard rubber. I bought a couple from Sears many, many years ago, but you can still get the same design from a couple of different manufacturers. Here's the photo from the Rockler web site:

   View Image

   It's very convenient as far as changing out the paper, which is why I like it, but it does waste a fair amount--a couple of inches--at each end of the strip. It uses 1/4 sheets. There's a new kind of sanding block that goes by the name of "Preppin Weapon" that is roughly the same shape; I've been thinking about trying one out. They're quite a bit more expensive, but have gotten good reviews and don't waste as much paper. They also come in four colors, so you can better keep track of which block has which grit mounted on it.

   -Steve

    

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 11, 2007 06:04pm | #2

   Klinspor is a good source for many things sanding:
   http://www.woodworkingshop.com
   Their paper catalog is a little easier to browse, of course.

   I've bought mostly their 50-pack, better/best quality, ROS discs.  Now that I've discovered Abranet, though, less of that, LOL!  Jeff carries it, toward the bottom of this page.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   
3. 
   frenchy | Dec 12, 2007 01:38am | #3

   Doug Meyer. 

    I use auto body supply stores. They need every grit we normally use and since auto shops are heavy users of these items prices reflect normal volume purchasing.. don't expect to buy flint coat anything.. these guys buy paper which really holds up.

4. 
   mrbird90 | Dec 12, 2007 05:02am | #4

   Try Industrial Abrasives in PA. Once you used their material you will never go back to to your old sources. Price is good and quality is better than most.

5. 
   Samson | Dec 12, 2007 06:38am | #5

   This stuff rocks:

   http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=51545&cat=1,42500

1. 
   Sancho | Dec 12, 2007 07:49am | #6

   I used to buy the mirka but one day I needed some so I bought some repkg 3 M hook and loop..
   Man that stuff if the bomb. A little more expensive the Mirka but worth it.