Jet 16 / 32 Drum Sander Question

[Tim Boger]

I use this sander almost exclusively to dimension small lengths of material that will be cut into segmented work and for flattening rings before assembly ..... I will on occasion use it on a cutting board or two as well.

80# has become the only grit I've used for the longest time and find it works best for my needs.

My objective is to get a better quality product and a lessor cost per cut to length roll.

My question is, what type of roll material would you folks recommend that I can cut to length myself and where might I purchase it?

Thank you,
Tim

[Jim Tabor]

Tim,
Woodworker Supply sells uncut, 80 grit zirconia, 3"X70' rolls for $68. Enough for 9 wraps.

[david brum]

I recently converted my 1632 to Abranet (http://mirka-online.com/hd5bg001803r-mirka-abranet-heavy-duty-2-3-4-in-x-33-ft-mesh-grip-roll-80g-qty-1.html). It performs much better than standard paper and seems like it's going to last much longer. There are discussions about it here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?201889-Abranet-paper-on-16-32-sander-WOW!/page2) and here (http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?178234-Using-Abranet-Heavy-Duty-on-My-22x44-Drum-Sander).

[Tim Boger]

Thanks guys for the info .... the Abranet sure sounds like an improvement over the junk I've been using. Clogging and burning has been a constant problem, I had attributed it to user error and wood choices. Purple heart is a bear to avoid burning.

Is there a Hook and Loop system designed for the drum sanders? I read a mention about a Grizzly product ... anyone ever used such a system?

Tim