Lapping film, sandpaper and related stuff.. Where do you buy yours?

jac_solar · May 20, 2014

Heya. I was wondering where (Assuming you use it, of course.) you guys get the super fine diamond lapping films and sandpaper? The types that are over 5000 grit, I mean.

HeavyHanded · May 20, 2014

jac_solar said:
Heya. I was wondering where (Assuming you use it, of course.) you guys get the super fine diamond lapping films and sandpaper? The types that are over 5000 grit, I mean.

I found a place called Fiber Instrument Sales that has good prices on 3M diamond lapping film and other assorted silicon carbide and aluminum oxide lapping films. The price on these goes up quickly as you go up in size, so I stick to the 6"x6" sheets. A search will turn up many suppliers and most are very comparable on price.

For sandpaper I prefer my local ACE - they carry the Gator line which seems to work a little better than most. I do not believe you'll find sandpaper over 2500 grit and most only go to 2000 (which is plenty fine by ANSI standards).

jac_solar · May 22, 2014

HeavyHanded said:
I found a place called Fiber Instrument Sales that has good prices on 3M diamond lapping film and other assorted silicon carbide and aluminum oxide lapping films. The price on these goes up quickly as you go up in size, so I stick to the 6"x6" sheets. A search will turn up many suppliers and most are very comparable on price.

For sandpaper I prefer my local ACE - they carry the Gator line which seems to work a little better than most. I do not believe you'll find sandpaper over 2500 grit and most only go to 2000 (which is plenty fine by ANSI standards).

So, for 2500 and above, you need to go with lapping films?

HeavyHanded · May 23, 2014

jac_solar said:
So, for 2500 and above, you need to go with lapping films?

Pretty much. Keep in mind the 2k wet/dry, if ANSI is down in the low single digit microns. I have heard of wet/dry as low as 3k but have never seen it or found it with a search. Lapping films will go down sub micron in a variety of abrasives.

cbwx34 · May 23, 2014

HeavyHanded said:
I have heard of wet/dry as low as 3k but have never seen it or found it with a search.

3000g sandpaper. Auto body supply stores have it to

HeavyHanded · May 23, 2014

cbwx34 said:
3000g sandpaper. Auto body supply stores have it to

I'm not sure that item is a good choice for sharpening. My local auto body shops sell 3M up to 2000. I've found stuff online at 2500 grit but was not a very good quality - was an off brand mfg in China - finish was no better than the 3M and paper didn't last as long.