Micro-Mesh

[Wally Dickerman]

I'm using Micro-mesh in my pen turning. It really does a polishing job. After the MM gets loaded I've been washing it. After 4 washings it still does a good job. My question is...how long will it last?

Wally

[David Walser]

Wally,

Micro Mesh will last virtually forever -- unless you get it too hot. (Then it melts. That's not good.) That's why I always use mine wet. I've had mine over two years and it's been used on dozens of pens and small turnings. So far, it works as well as the day it was new.

[Barry Elder]

Wally, mine is 6 years old and some of it is so thin I can see thru it, so I have bought replacements. A great value!

[Jim Sebring]

I've washed (actually just rinsed in clear water) my set prolly 25-30 times and see no deterioration yet.

[Mack Cameron]

I'm using Micro-mesh in my pen turning. It really does a polishing job. After the MM gets loaded I've been washing it. After 4 washings it still does a good job. My question is...how long will it last?

WallyHi Wally; I have 2 sets and have probably turned a couple of hundred pens. Not all get micomeshed, but when they do I add a couple of drops of dish detergent to the water. Wipe off between grits. A little trick I learned on the IAP forum.

[Steve Trauthwein]

Wally,

I am probably on my third or fourth mm set. Not to say the others were totally gone but they were showing wear. I also vote for soaking and using wet. I used to clean mine with a tooth brush and it seemed to wear out faster. If you use them wet they just don't load up and it eliminates the hassle of cleaning.

Regards, Steve

[Dick Gerard]

Wally,
I have used Micro Mesh for at least 15 years, perhaps longer. They will eventually wear out. I just haven't figured out when that is. By the way, they have grits even finer than the 12000. Contact them directly.

[ron hossack]

I have ruined two sets of MM by melting ...

I have very little feelings in my finger tips due to a souvenir left over from Vietnam.

A friend who turns pens wife makes jewelry and he turned me on to
Tri-M-Ite polishing paper ... microns are pretty nice and leaves a nice
finish and I can feel when the heat builds up.

400 GRIT, 30 MICRON, GREEN COLOR
600 GRIT, 15 MICRON, GREY COLOR
1200 GRIT, 9 MICRON, BLUE COLOR
4000 GRIT, 3 MICRON, PINK COLOR
6000 GRIT, 2 MICRON, MINT COLOR
8000 GRIT, 1 MICRON, PALE GREEN COLOR

Comes in 8 x 11 sheets and I cut it into 2 x 2 squares.

Use Mack's trick of soap in the water, I was surprised at how nice it does.

[Wally Wenzel]

Ron, Where did you find the tri m ite paper? i tried a search but didn't come up with anything. Thanks Wally

[ron hossack]

Ron, Where did you find the tri m ite paper? i tried a search but didn't come up with anything. Thanks
Wally, try here ...

http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/ProductPage.aspx?assetname=337308&page=GRID&category|category_root|118=Finishing+Equipment+and +Supplies&category|cat_118|270=Abrasives&category|cat_270|962=Abrasive+Papers&category|cat_962|2406=3M+Tri-M-Ite (http://www.riogrande.com/MemberArea/ProductPage.aspx?assetname=337308&page=GRID&category%7Ccategory_root%7C118=Finishing+Equipment +and+Supplies&category%7Ccat_118%7C270=Abrasives&category%7Ccat_270%7C962=Abrasive+Papers&category%7Ccat_962%7C2406=3M+Tri-M-Ite)