Replies

1. 
   riverr1 | Jan 19, 2003 08:13pm | #1

   Bump

1. 
   Splintie | Jan 20, 2003 06:36am | #2

   I prefer 4" bec there are that many fewer edges to catch and it keeps its straightness better than 3" if you take it off to change grits and re-use it later; some of the 3" stuff i got tended to stretch a bit on one side. I also can use the 4" wide stuff on my palm sander...i did 1000 SF of oak flooring with a quarter-sheet sander and 100 grit cloth-backed belt. OK, so i'm nit-picky about my finishes....

   I buy from Klingspor or Industrial Abrasives--very good quality. Where do you order? 

1. 
   riverr1 | Jan 20, 2003 06:55am | #3

   Splinte,

   This is my first order with Industrial Abrasives. I have used SuperGrit a number of times in the past, but that was related to my plastering profession and not woodworking. Industrial Abrasives was recommended to me by WoodCraft and I didn't see rolls on supergrit's site, and I wasn't in a patient mood at the time I ordered so Industrial Abrasives got the business. I believe Klingspore is where you and FG recommended me to go for my Boss sleeves. I haven't used them yet because I haven't needed any sleeves yet. I've been in shop limbo for about the last 9 months and that is just now beginning to come together.

   Thanks for the info on the paper. I'll stick with the 4 inch. The drum sander is a machine I don't have a lot of experience with yet so I'd just as soon take advantage of anothers trial and error experiences. Thanks again.

   Don

1. 
   Splintie | Jan 20, 2003 07:25am | #4

   I had a superbly bad first experience with Red Hill/Supergrit and never went back. I ordered silicon carbide in two different grits. The stuff they sent was printed in China and the black stuff just fell off of the paper and into the wood--no abrasive action at all.

   If you need sheets, try IA's "Rhynodry"--it'splumb amazing how long it lasts. Their 220 grit SC  with stearate cuts like 120 ALOX, and i've never had trouble with fish-eye afterward, at least not with lacquer.  

2. 
   dondownunder | Jan 20, 2003 02:27pm | #5

   DonC

   Just a thought- on a drum designed for 4" if you wind on 3" will the paper start & finish at the clips?????

1. 
   Splintie | Jan 20, 2003 07:45pm | #6

   The paper comes on ~50' rolls, so you wind out however much you need. You can also get pre-cut strips at specified lengths. 

   If i have a short bit at the end of my roll, i just tape the outboard side down well and use the narrower width for narrower stock, like a run of cribbage boards. Same goes for if the strip gets torn, but still has some good left in it: i trim and tape the far side of the wrap in place. The only tape that appears to work is strapping tape bec it doesn't stretch.

2. 
   riverr1 | Jan 20, 2003 08:21pm | #7

   Downunder,

   There might be a bit of a learning curve, but it seems you can control the taper on the paper so that it lines up and ends where you want it to. Put the paper on and at the ends start wrapping it over itself until it lines up, mark the paper with a pencil, take it off and cut. The 3 inch should be no different then the 4 in that the end tapers should be the same. Length is what is critical, but since precut paper is available, length may be nothing more then looking it up. Drum sizes for the various sized machines seems consistent also.

   Hope you're safe and doing well down there. According to the news, you are experiencing much the same as what the west here goes through often. Best of luck to the bunch of you.

   Don

3. 
   PlaneWood | Jan 21, 2003 04:57am | #8

   I use 6" wide cause I came across a jillion feet of it for free!  :)

   My drum is 6" diameter.  So, the circumference is about 18-7/8".  I have a stick cut to that length.  I lay the stick on the back of the paper from one side to the other and mark the line.  I then use an old pair of sissors to cut the pieces.   Sometimes will cut several pieces so I don't have to stop and do that when in the middle of a project and need new paper.

   PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood

3. 
   ScottTN | Jan 21, 2003 08:39pm | #10

   I would agree that 4" roll stock would be better unless there is some problem with the angle of winding around the drum. The edges of the paper may be exposed to the wood surface at a much more open angle and may tend to catch and tear. I would think that the sander manufacturer would have used a wider material if it would work better. You may want to contact sander tech service and ask if there would be a safety consideration in using wider paper.

   A larger diameter drum would reduce the angle that the paper is wound around the drum? A smaller diameter would increase the angle? Or am I missing something?

   Scott 

1. 
   riverr1 | Jan 21, 2003 09:19pm | #11

   Scott,

   Yep, it was a quick lesson on paint and drum sanders. It's not something I will do again! Live and learn sounds better then, "boy, was I stupid for. . . . " ;^)

   No, I don't think you're missing anything. I was just asking if anyone had been down this road before, and if so, what were your experiences, results and opinions. Seems to be a conscenses that I should stick with the 4 inch so I did not call to change my order this morning. Actually, if wider is better, and according to Mike was it (?), maybe I should look at 6 inch rather then 3 or 4???? What do you think? The drums are standard 5 inch.

   Don

2. 
   ScottTN | Jan 22, 2003 05:38am | #12

   I would still be concerned with the angle of the edge of the wrap and the contact with the wood.  The more parallel the angle with the wood, I think that it would be easier to catch a splinter or grain an rip the paper or force the paper to overlap and burn.  The more perpendiular, the less chance of catching an edge.

2. 
   ScottTN | Jan 21, 2003 08:31pm | #9

   "FWIW--Drum sanders don't work worth a darn for removing paint from painted boards!"

   Not unless you own a lot of stock in an abrasive company!