Sanding Tips from Curt Norman's Shop
(Click here to return to Question No. 15 on the "FAQ" Page of Curt's Web Site)
SAND PAPER 101
Aluminum Oxide sand paper is one of the most common wood working abrasives.
It exhibits a high degree of friability.
Which means when heat and pressure are applied it fragments.
This is highly desirable because when it fragments it creates new sharp edges.
This self-renewing property allows Aluminum Oxide to last longer than most other sand papers.
Garnet sand paper is a natural abrasive that is still commonly used for woodworking.
It is not friable and tends to wear out fast.
However Garnet will produce a smother finish than other sand papers with the same grit number.
So garnet is a great choice for the final sanding.
Silicon Carbide sand paper is harder than both Garnet and Aluminum Oxide.
It’s great for sanding harder materials like metal and plastics.
It is also a friable abrasive but wood is not hard enough to fracture the surface.
Which means it will wear out faster than Aluminum Oxide.
Remember this about Sanding & Sand paper
No Load Aluminum Oxide is a great choice of sand paper for wood working.
No load, Stearated or Zinc Lubricated sand paper helps reduce the sanding grit from clogging.
Sand paper works a lot like a saw or chisel or other cutting tool in your shop.
The only real difference is you can not sharpen sand paper.
You must replace it with a new peace.
Warn out 220 grit should not be used for 320 grit. Through it away!
Sanding influences the final finish.
No finish can be better than the surface under it.
Don’t buy cheep sand paper. Grit control costs money!
Use dust collection and/or a dust mask every time you sand!
Curt Norman, January 2007
Go to Woodturning Tips from Curt Norman's Shop
Click here to return to Question No. 15 on the "FAQ" Page of Curt's Web Site)
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