How Big of a Jump in Grit?

[redsquid2]

With regard to sanding the handles, I have been changing the grit by double: 60, 120, 220, 400.

Will I save time and/or sandpaper if I move up in grit more gradually?

Thanks.

--squiddy

 

[Frank Niro]

That's the sizes I use. Forget about saving time and sandpaper if that gives you a great finish. Don't forget the sizes don't stop at 400 . Frank

 

[redsquid2]

That's the sizes I use. Forget about saving time and sandpaper if that gives you a great finish. Don't forget the sizes don't stop at 400 . Frank

Do knifemakers go above 400 on the handles? 400 is pretty much the standard for auto body paint jobs. Why go above that on wood?

 

[redsquid2]

That's the sizes I use. Forget about saving time and sandpaper if that gives you a great finish. Don't forget the sizes don't stop at 400 . Frank

Thanks for the reply.

Do knifemakers go above 400 on the handles? 400 is pretty much the standard for auto body paint jobs. Why go above that on wood?

 

[mgysgthath]

The last handle I did (and I'm by no means an expert) I finished to 400 on the grinder, and then hand sanded with automotive wet sand paper up to 2000 grit.. it was basically polished at that point.

 

[Hesparus]

For micarta, I've always shaped with a file, then to 220, 320, 400, 600, then buff. It goes pretty quick.

- Chris

 

[rwn2000]

Thanks for the reply.

Do knifemakers go above 400 on the handles? 400 is pretty much the standard for auto body paint jobs. Why go above that on wood?

400 grit is standard for surface prep before the basecoat (if it's 2-stage paint). In another lifetime, I've spent countless hours helping my brother wet-sand the orange peel out of a clearcoat with 1200 and 2000 grit before buffing . (He was the expert, I just did what i was told for beer )

I usually take wood and Micarta to 800 grit, but stop at 400 on G10. G10 just seems too slick at 800 grit. YMMV

 

[Frank Niro]

Wellthen, if you think it's good, it probably is for the material you're working on. Frank