Shop Tip: Wet sanding

[Mark Nelson]

Here is something for the hand sanders out there to maybe give a try. I know some guys use water and some various oils. On a whim I broke out a bottle of Aloe Vera gel and used it instead of water or oil. I say on a whim, I was out of oil so I thought I would try something different. It is just the cheap generic stuff. I got it from Korger for when I get to much sun on my almost bald head. It isn't as messy as water or oil because it doesn't go everywhere and it seems to give good life to the paper. Nothing to spill or splater because it is nice and thick. Not sure how it effects the finish compared to water or oil. Someone who has done a lot of hand sanding may want to try it and chime in and see what they think. It seemed pretty good to me. Non toxic and dries overnight so it is easy to clean up if you miss some when you clean up after you finish. Just something to consider. Thanks guys.

 

[John Andrews]

I gotta try that, Mark. Thanks for the tip, fella.

 

[Sweany]

Does feel better on the fingers?

When I hand sand a lot, (must be the abrasives), my fingers get all dried out, some times they crack and bleed.

 

[Mark Nelson]

You know I did not even think about it at the time but my fingers did feel fine afterwards. I have the same problems (not as badly as you Sweany) with my skin drying out to the point that I wear gloves or those finger cover things but I didn't last night and I didn't have any problems at all. A possible additional plus.

 

[Frank Eaton]

That would also help alot if you had just finished grinding some and had burned your fingers clean off, aloe for burns....jokin'.

 

[Sweany]

I'll give it a go thanks man