Micro mesh source

[Eric Gourieux]

I'm needing to replace some of my micro mesh for the 3rd time in about 8 years. Other than the usual Woodcraft, Craft Supplies, PSI, does anybody have a good resource for purchasing MM? I've looked online and some sites detail several different grades of MM, and then my eyes glaze over. On my WTF, I'm using more MM, so I assume I'll be going through more than in the past. Any ideas on the best resource for discounted MM?

[Shawn Russell]

I have found Peachtree woodworking to be cheaper than the above: http://www.ptreeusa.com/microMesh.htm

[Shawn Russell]

And if you want it sheet and rolls: http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/
The link on the right side for your order type. I would stay with regular or MX, they are both silicon carbide. The AO(aluminum oxide) I find wears out much quicker.

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

Eric,
Klingspore sells micromesh. http://www.woodworkingshop.com/ However, I buy Abralon from Homestead finishing Supplies. http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/
faust

[Donny Lawson]

Eric, if you have only replaced the MM 3 times in 8 yrs I think your getting your moneys worth any way you look at it. I would order it from CSUSA. They are fast on delivery and to me very dependable.

[Eric Gourieux]

Thanks for the assistance with resources.


Eric,
Klingspore sells micromesh. http://www.woodworkingshop.com/ However, I buy Abralon from Homestead finishing Supplies. http://www.homesteadfinishingproducts.com/
faust

Faust,
I'm curious about the Abralon. Where does it fit in to your arsenal? Do you use it exclusively instead of sandpaper? I assume you don't use the higher grits in place of MM

[Don Nurmela]

This has been a cost effective source for me.
http://www.2sand.com/Abranet+Discs/

[Faust M. Ruggiero]

Eric,
I buy abralon in six inch discs. I buy 360 - 500 - 1000 - 2000 - 3000 - and 4000 grits. Abralon is a sponge backed abrasive and lasts quite long (not 8 years though). In comparison, micromesh is graded differently. I believe it starts at 3600 and goes to 15000 but the numbers are not a grit count. The 3600 is roughly equivalent to 600 grit sandpaper. I use Abralon almost exclusively in my finishing process. I spray lacquer quits often, in fact, I spent the morning spraying components of a table I am finally finishing after too long. I use it on curved surfaces. On flat areas I stick it on a ROSander. I spray gloss lacquer then cut back the gloss with 500 or 1000 grit working my way back to 4000. That leaves a very level finish that is a delight to touch. If I want full gloss I buff after the 4000. On really hard woods I might use Abralon on the inside of a bowl because it is so flexible. I hope that is the info you wanted.
faust

[Eric Gourieux]

Thanks, Don.

Faust, yes, that's the info I was looking for.