Sandpaper

[Jason Fry]

I have been using cheap sandpaper from Harbor Freight, both the emory and the aluminum oxide. I've really been burning through the stuff, and the grit seems to wear off easily. Sick and tired of that, I bought some Norton today. I got the 3x in 220 and the SandWet in 400 and 600. OH MY GOODNESS! It cut well both dry and wet, and the grit didn't wear off. In fact, I could dust off/unclog the paper and keep going. I'm sure most of you guys are past the cheap sandpaper stage, but if you're not, it's totally worth it to upgrade, IMO. Anyone care to share their preferred brand?

 

[defaultuser]

Never tried the Norton, but noticed a big difference between "el cheapo" paper and 3M. How's 3M and Norton compare?

 

[Will Leavitt]

I use 3m because that's what the auto body supplier nearby has. Cheap sandpaper has cost me more money than I'll ever save

 

[Patrickknives]

I was getting the small packs of Norton from Home Depot and it worked well, I now order bulk and get gator, really good and great price.

 

[Barkes Knife Shop]

I use 3M sandpaper also. It works great and last long. I also use their belts and use the Norton belts. I've been thinking about ordering some of their sandpaper too. Its good to hear the good news. Thanks for the information Patrick. -----------:thumbup:

 

[Don Hanson III]

The Norton 3X is unbelievable!

 

[Steven Kelly]

I use the Napa Red back paper.. It is really great stuff.. Seems to be a bit coarser though. The 600g works about like 3m 400g..
If they dont have it in stock at your local Napa, you can ask them to order it. The napa up here now keeps in stock, a sleeve of every grit I use...

 

[clw3]

Cheap sandpaper has cost me more money than I'll ever save

True...So true!!

I think the Norton paper is just a tad better then 3M but that may be just my perception. Harbor Freight paper is NOT a bargain!!

 

[SBuzek]

I use alot of klingspor and 3m both are real good. Get mine from tru-grit.
Stan

 

[koyote]

i use klingspor shop rolls and gator wet dry sheets, i tried one pack of harbor freight paper and threw half of it away, it was worse than useless.

 

[Rusty McDonald]

The best shop tip I have ever gotten was to ues the belts from my grinder. Klingspor belts, I start out with 120 grit, of course they have been used until they are almost worn out on the grinder but for hand sanding they are the best, flexable and they don't clog like regular sand paper.
Then to the 220 grit after that I use regular paper, 3m wet or dry 600 Grit.

 

[jimbo@stn23]

After using Klingspor and Norton I used some old 220 from the hardware store downtown and the difference was immediately apparent. 3M seems like good stuff as well but the cheap hardware store stuff isn't worth your time or money.