Sponge sanding pads

[John Gregory]

We have been using the Norton 3X sponge sanding pads (http://www.amazon.com/Grit-Norton-Contour-Sanding-Sponges/dp/B001ENU8KY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1330701168&sr=8-1) for years and like them, however the cost is gotten out of hand About $3 each
We found these at Supergrit.com (http://www.supergrit.com/products/products_mirka-gold-flex-pads.asp) Works out to $0.25 each. But the up front cost is $50 for the box. That is fine if I like them! Does anyone have experience with the Mirka gold Flex soft foam sanding pads?

Thanks

[Victor Robinson]

Thanks for the tip!

Also take a look at Festool's Granat hand sanding pads. Granat is an excellent all-around abrasive and resists clogging a little better than the Mirka sheets according to an online blogger (Half Inch Shy). Available in grits up to 800, and also available as a variety pack from certain vendors. I paid $40 for a variety pack of 120 sheets in grits from 240-800 IIRC.

[Rick Prosser]

I use the Mirka pads and love them - but that is all I have ever used, so I can't compare. From looking at the Norton info, it seems to me that the Norton is a sponge with abrasive - while the Mirka is sandpaper with a foam backing. (but it is hard to tell from just the description) I would guess a sponge would have more substance than a foam backing...

[John Gregory]

Well I ordered one grit 320 of the festool granat. I will give that try. Thanks guys for the input

[Alan Lightstone]

Please let us know how you like them.

[John Gregory]

Will do Alan, they are on their way

[shane lyall]

I don't have any of the sponges but I use the Myrka Gold disks on my RO sanders. If the sponges are as good as the disks they should serve you well. Wish I could help more.

[Lee Ludden]

I buy those Mirka pads individually for $0.50 at my local Woodcraft. They don't seem to last as long as the Norton ones, but are still a good value.