3M Micro-Abrasive Film

T

thombrogan

Joined
Nov 16, 2002
Messages
9,948
Has anyone here used micro-abrasive film for sharpening? An antique woodworking store sells it for sharpening and says that the .5 micron film is similar to 8000 grit paper.
 
I have used 15, 5 (SiC) and 0.5 (CrO) micron 3M micro-abrasives on Mylar. The are essentially high quality sandpaper on a quality backing. It is a nice range of abrasives, though you will want to start with something more coarse if you are changing the shape of a bevel or removing visible damage. The 0.5 micron paper is significantly finer than an 8000 grit hone.

-Cliff
 
Thanks, Cliff! Now I can't wait to get the film.

Can any of these affix to Sharpmaker rods for leading edge sharpening?

I bought them so I can make convex edges even better, but flat edges are nice, too.
 
You can buy them on an adhesive backing and just cut them to shape, or just use a spray on adhesive on the paper backed ones (which is much cheaper). Leading edge can cut the sandpaper through to the backing however unless you use an angle guide, or have really good angle control.

-Cliff
 
Just my 02cents.
Whenever I sharpen a blade I always use a 15micron belt as the last grit and then run off the wire edge with the buffer.
Shaves every time!
 
Thanks, guys.

I ordered the sticky-backed film sampler that goes from .3 to 40 microns in grit size.
 
Robert what compound do you use on the buffer and how many passes do you generally use?

-Cliff
 
I recommend a good piece of float glass to stick that film to. The flatter the surface the less the surface distortion. I also use the worn out ones to smooth my pivots by inserting it in place of the washer. Does wonder to make the pivot surface smoother. Cleans up the action a little better. A little Mil-Tec helps too.
 
The sheets with the pressure-sensitive adhesive have removeable plastic backings that are all staticy when you peel them off. Did you mean something else?
 
Originally posted by thombrogan
The sheets with the pressure-sensitive adhesive have removeable plastic backings that are all staticy when you peel them off. Did you mean something else?
Click to expand...
I think he meant using only static to adhere to the float glass. Not a good idea. Any movement and the edge will rip right into the sheet. I prefer the safety of the adhesive, which really isn't that much of a pain to remove from the backing piece. Even really stubborn ones comes off easily with Goof-Off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top