Generic sandpaper vs Brand name.

heavyfoldersarebest

heavyfoldersarebest

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Nov 8, 2012
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What's better, generic branded sandpaper or brand name?

Generic brand costs a lot less but how long does it last? Specifically talking about sandpaper that can be purchased on eBay.

Name brands like 3M and Norton cost way more, which one is best?

For sanding aluminum and steel, no wood.

I need 1000-3000 grit for polishing.
 
Brand names do work better. Better paper, better bonding material, more consistently sized grain. 3M and Norton are both good. Mirka is even better, IMO. Check the automotive section of a Walmart near you. I've gotten high grits there. I think it was 3M.
 
We've tried to save money at the machine shop I work at by buying the cheaper sandpaper and it was a waste of time and money. I'm not saying we tried all "off brands" but I will say we gave up and went back to Norton and 3M.
 
Alright, just ordered some 3M 1000, 1500 and 2000. I'll decide if higher is necessary because 600 already does a pretty good job.
 
Cheap abrasives never seem to be worthwhile. If you use a lot of it, 50-packs of high-quality papers actually end up costing the same or less than the cheap stuff. I'm paying $.50/sheet for Klingspor silicon carbide wet/dry paper in grits up to 2000.

If you don't use a lot of it, some suppliers will sell them by the single sheet for around $1-2 apiece.
 
heavyfoldersarebest said:
Alright, just ordered some 3M 1000, 1500 and 2000. I'll decide if higher is necessary because 600 already does a pretty good job.
Click to expand...

Going up to 3000 doesn't give a really polished finish IMO, are you thinking "mirror" polish or just "catch some light" polish?
 
As a general rule of thumb I always go for name brand stuff.
I still try the cheaper stuff here and there and have found better options. That is rare though. If you got the extra money I'd say try the cheap stuff. If not then stick with what you know works.
 
I've had too many bad experiences with cheap sandpaper that I don't bother with it much anymore. I buy most of my sandpaper from Klingspor and Tru-Grit. If you haven't tried it, check out the Klingspor Gold - it is AlOx backed by a flexible cloth and has a top coat that resists loading. It comes in sheets, discs, belts, shop rolls, etc. It's the best all-around stuff I've ever used.

TedP
 
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