Lets discuss abrasives

[Autumnarcher]

Im getting ready to order disc sander discs, drum sander paper as well as sheets for bench work. I've been using pretty much all aluminum oxide abrasives, 3M mostly. I've found fiberglass dulls AO pretty fast, and forthe drum sander, same problem if running g10 or phenloic through it.

I just ordered some carborundum discs for my 6' disc sander to try.  Others have told me they buy their sandpaper in rolls instead of sheets, and can cut off as much as needed .

I guess my first question is - what are y'all using as far as type of abrasive, and good suppliers for those.
I think for the drum sander Im gonna start cutting my own strips from a bulk roll as looks to be pretty good savings.

Any brands to steer clear of for quality issues?  There seems to be a lot of options for sanding, would like to get an idea what others use or found to be more cost effective.

[Buemaker]

There is a lot of info here on abrasives.
https://www.redlabelabrasives.com/blogs/news/what-is-the-difference-between-open-and-closed-coat-abrasives

[Shredd]

i was using 3m sand paper from home depot...  120 and 220 for hand sanding and did fine...  then i ordered some in bulk from one of abrasive companies and the paper clogs easily...  so back to 3m...

 for a drum sander 60 grit a/o and 80 grit zirc... the zirc holds its sharpness longer and seems to want to tear things up... when you rub your hand across it, it seems more pointy  and sharper than a/o...

[BigJim]

Generally I use A/O because it is cheaper. I have tried just about everything I believe and spent a bunch of time with Zirc.
The problem is that with the extra expense of zirc, I have a tendency to want it to last longer, but dull is dull and i find myself just pushing harder.

I sand more G10 than most i'm sure and rarely if ever use phenolic. For me it is A/O for orbital, A/O for most hand sanding, and one of my widebelts is only ever loaded with A/O.

Now all of my edge sanders... to include my pattern sander gets Zirc.. most of all in 36 grit.

I use a mixture of klingspoor and sungold.

BigJim

[Crooked Stic]

The only sheets I buy are the 3M Sandblaster. They say 10 x times longer. Not sure of that but they do cut and last longer than anything else I have tried. More$$ but better quality and lasts better. May even out. I find it at Menards.
 and is no cheaper on the big auction site
For drum and edge sanders I use both A/O and Zirc.

[wood carver 2]

My favourite for hand sanding is 3M garnet. It doesn’t load up much and as it wears the garnets chip off and keep sharp. Lately though I’ve had trouble finding it in bulk packs so I tried some from Germany. It’s ok but not as long lasting as 3M.
Dave.

[Roy from Pa]

I do all my wood removal with a flint knapped broadhead.

Can't believe you guys use sandpaper...

[wood carver 2]

Well I would use shark skin but I’m too far from the ocean.
Dave.

[kennym]

I do all my wood removal with a flint knapped broadhead.

Can't believe you guys use sandpaper...

Yup and you hunt in that buckskin dress we've noticed hangin on yer wall...

You da man , I think? 

[Roy from Pa]

Stop looking up my skirt...

[Pat B]

I thought y'all were discussing Roy although he's not all that abrasive. 

[Mad Max]

x2

[Bvas]

I thought y'all were discussing Roy although he's not all that abrasive. 

He may not be abrasive, but he sure looks rough.