Sanding discs

[Damon McLaughlin]

A while back I bought some purple 2" and 3" sanding discs from an online store that is well known for its CBN wheels. I'm almost through all of it and need to find a better disc. The reason I didn't like these is that their diameter is just shy of the diameter of the hook and loop pads that I bought from the same seller. This small bit of overhang shows as scuff marks on the wood at times. And the grit on the discs aren't consistent so everything may look good and a 320 disc may cause a scratch deep enough that you have to go back a grit or two. The purple discs loaded up quite fast and didn't last long either. So I don't think I want to replenish with these.

I did call another online store that is always mentioned for their green discs, their blue ones too. Unfortunately in the thirty minute phone call I didn't get any questions answered but rather I listened to why he was better than the guy above. It left me very frustrated.

So my questions, if anyone has any insight, are;

1. For a 2" or 3" pad would you buy the 2 and 3" discs or would you prefer the 2-3/8 and 3-3/8" discs? Any pros or cons to the slightly larger size?

2. Is there a preference for the blue or green discs sold by the second seller above?

3. I saw some white Rhino discs at a higher cost, are these discs better to warrant the higher cost?

4. Any other suggestions?

My preference is for a disc that has consistent grit, cuts well and has decent life. I understand that this would come with a cost so I don't know that I'm asking for the best disc, or the cheapest disc, but probably the best value.

A couple other options that I am looking at are
https://2sand.com/sanding-discs/hook-and-loop-sanding-discs/3-inch-blue-sa331-film-backed-hook-and-loop-sanding-discs-25-pk

Supergrit has these discs but they don't say what its made of. I've emailed them a couple of times and their reply is always short and vague. For example I asked one time if such and such disc is good for woodturning and their reply was "sure". That was it. However if anyone has any experience with these please let me know.
https://www.supergrit.com/products/products_discs-smallsand

I've heard great things about the Klingspor Gold and have bought (and very much liked) their rolls but their discs are too expensive for me to consider.

I have thought about maybe buying rolls and just punching my own discs but haven't looked into an efficient way of doing that yet.

[Bob Bouis]

If your discs are too small, you can just stick your mandrels on the lathe and reduce their diameter slightly. A skew works.

You can get 2.75" hook & loop or psa rolls of high quality sandpaper for very cheap. Some of it you'd have to cut into squares, some comes perforated. Or you can just attach regular sandpaper to the mandrel with special sanding disc adhesive.

[Joe Bradshaw]

I like the blue discs from Vinceswooden wonders. They are over sized and last a good long time. I tried the purple discs, but, they did not seem to last as long. You will get probably as many different opinions on discs as there are woodturners on this forum.
Joe

[Harold Balzonia]

I buy the klingspor box of scraps and use an arch punch to pound out the discs I need in every possible grit.

365806

Works like a dream and you'll have more discs that you'll ever use for as cheap a price as possible.

you can use whatever sandpaper you want this way. Look up 2-inch arch punch on the Googleweb and you'll be on your way. The punches are available in almost any size imaginable.... you could make your own punch by sharpening an edge of steel pipe if you didn't want to buy a proper arch punch.

[Michael Mills]

I use the blue flex for my hook and loop sanding disc. I like that they are oversized and durable.
Is your Rhino the same as Rhyno? I use Indasa Rhynogrip Redline psa backed for roll and they are great I like their Redline better than he white.
They do make 3" Velcro style disc but I have never used them (not sure if they make a 2"). I think Klingspor carries the Rhyno line.

[Damon McLaughlin]

I use the blue flex for my hook and loop sanding disc. I like that they are oversized and durable.
Is your Rhino the same as Rhyno? I use Indasa Rhynogrip Redline psa backed for roll and they are great I like their Redline better than he white.
They do make 3" Velcro style disc but I have never used them (not sure if they make a 2"). I think Klingspor carries the Rhyno line.

Yes, I meant Rhyno. Couldn't find the redline anywhere though.

[Damon McLaughlin]

I buy the klingspor box of scraps and use an arch punch to pound out the discs I need in every possible grit.

365806

Works like a dream and you'll have more discs that you'll ever use for as cheap a price as possible.

you can use whatever sandpaper you want this way. Look up 2-inch arch punch on the Googleweb and you'll be on your way. The punches are available in almost any size imaginable.... you could make your own punch by sharpening an edge of steel pipe if you didn't want to buy a proper arch punch.

Thank you for the suggestion and the tip about the arch punch. I didn't even know those existed.

[Damon McLaughlin]

Is there any benefit to ordering the discs slightly oversized such as what Vince sells? 3-3/8 versus a 3" disc? I was wondering if that bit of overhang digs into the wood or allows for a better sanding when working on the inside of bowls.

If I were to order from Vince is there a preference between the green and blue discs? Thank again for your suggestions.

David

[Fred Belknap]

David I use a lot of Vince's disks and my opinion the blue ones are as good as the green. Mostly happy withe his disks but some grits seem to be better than others, and some don't come with the grit stamped on them. So far they are the best for the money I have found. If you find something that is great let us know.

[Robert Willing]

I use Vinces disk as well the blue ones. Get yourself one of these from Amazon and clean them between sanding. Prostik W1307 2-Inch by 2-Inch by 12-Inch Abrasive Belt and Disk Cleaner. This cleaner is great and really cleans out the disk. Use it on slow speed to be more effective.

[Barry McFadden]

I use the New Wave disc's from Lee Valley... http://www.leevalley.com/en/Wood/page.aspx?p=49253&cat=1,42500 and they work very well.. as you can see the overhang is scalloped and doesn't leave any marks when sanding inside a bowl right up to the lip...

[Grant Wilkinson]

I, too, use Vince's blue disks. I've used the green when he puts them on sale. I don't see a great deal of difference. I buy the oversized ones. For sanding inside bowls, in particular, the edges of the disk folds over to cover the edge of the mandrel/pad and prevents any rubber marks on the bowl.

[Prashun Patel]

The general consensus on this forum is for Vince's discs. I have a bunch and they're fine for me.

But I prefer these. They are heartier and more effective:

https://2sand.com/2-inch-sanding-discs-white-rhyno-25-pk-aluminum-oxide

I fully acknowledge that in someone else's hands the blue ones may be better and that I am perhaps not using the appropriate technique, drill, or mandrels, but in my hands (so far) these white ones have proven a better buy.

[Damon McLaughlin]

Thank you guys, I appreciate all of your replies. I decided that I will either try Vince's blue discs or these (https://2sand.com/3-inch-blue-sa331-film-backed-hook-and-loop-sanding-discs-25-pk)(not sure if they are the same as Vince's but they are priced pretty close).

[John Keeton]

David, I don't know the folks at 2sand.com and they be be great folks. But, I have known Vince for years and he personally knows his customers and the customer service is great.

[Pat Scott]

A while back I bought some purple 2" and 3" sanding discs from an online store that is well known for its CBN wheels. The reason I didn't like these is that their diameter is just shy of the diameter of the hook and loop pads that I bought from the same seller. This small bit of overhang shows as scuff marks on the wood at times. And the grit on the discs aren't consistent so everything may look good and a 320 disc may cause a scratch deep enough that you have to go back a grit or two. The purple discs loaded up quite fast and didn't last long either. So I don't think I want to replenish with these.

I agree! I bought some of the 2" and 3" discs from Woodturners Wonders and found them just a bit too small also. I agree that they load up fast and don't last as long as others. I can't wait to use them up. I found a sanding pad that I had cut down and was just a bit smaller than the discs, so for now that pad is dedicated to these discs.

I haven't tried discs from 2sand but maybe I should. I seem to always be on a quest to find the best disc at the best price. I don't mind paying a little more for better quality. Because I go through a lot of sandpaper (because you're suppose to use it once and get rid of it), price is a consideration.

My favorite discs so far are the Norton A275 from The Sanding Glove (http://thesandingglove.com/Norton-A275-Speed-Grip-Discs.asp), followed by a close 2nd with Klingspor Stearate (which it doesn't look like they make anymore except for 600 grit and above?). I have used the Green discs from Vince and I like them. I believe in one of Vince's videos he says the difference between green and blue is the green have the grit marked on more of the discs.

I've also used Deerfos from Craft Supplies. It's an excellent disk but a bit high priced.
I've also used Norton Dry Ice from The Sanding Glove. It's an excellent disk also but even higher priced.

Discs that I won't use again are Industrial Abrasives (scratch patterns are too hard to get rid of), Mirka Gold (doesn't last at all), SIA Speed Ultra from Vince (doesn't last), and the above mentioned purple discs from Woodturners Wonders. When I say discs won't last, I'm talking they won't or barely last sanding one bowl. I'm not quite at the "use once and throw away" stage, I still try and get 2 bowls from one disc.

I have wanted to get a punch and make my own, but never got around to buying a punch.

I forgot to say that I do like and use 2" and 2-3/8" disc, and 3" and 3-3/8". I think that's another reason why I bought the green discs from Vince is because green comes in 2" and 3" and the blue doesn't. I use an oversize disc on the inside of bowls, and many times use the 2" or 3" on the outside because I can sand up closer to a bead or the foot. If I used an oversize for that it would hit the bead or my chuck jaws, etc.

[Bob Bouis]

I'd just like to reiterate that you don't need to cut your sandpaper into circles for 90% of power sanding on the lathe. Squares work just fine.

[Bob Coates]

Saw the circle cutters, and the comment to make one. I had a section of tail pipe from younger days, and made this. Worked great. The size was 2" one one and 2 1/8 on the other. I did the 2" and just tape the pipe around the top on the other end. Result is great. If I make more holders may try and cut the Velcro with it. If it gets dull just touch it up. Just used a file on the outside and a rotary grinder on the inside to remove the ring.

[Dave Bunge]

Is there any benefit to ordering the discs slightly oversized such as what Vince sells? 3-3/8 versus a 3" disc? I was wondering if that bit of overhang digs into the wood or allows for a better sanding when working on the inside of bowls.
David

David, Vince sells "inner face" pads that are 2-3/8" and 3-3/8" diameter, so it is possible to have the discs supported out to the edge. I've been very happy with his blue discs and have used them successfully for many years.

[Marvin Hasenak]

I buy all of my sandpaper from one source the Klingspor Woodworking Shop, most of it comes from the end rolls scrap boxes. For power sanding, I made my own pads and a cutter for the sandpaper. Mostly out of their scrap bin, I can make my 1", 2" and 4" sanding belts, all of the discs I need in 1", 2" and 4" sizes. not too mention the plain sheets that I also use.

[John Keeton]

At $.13 each (quantity of 100) I just don't see me punching out my own discs!😉 But, I may be in the minority.

[Bill Blasic]

My main supplier of sanding disks is TURNINGWOOD.COM. I like the Mirka disks that Steve Worcester sells and have been using them for years. And you cannot get a better mandrel than Skilton mandrels Steve sells, the one I have I have been using for over 8 or nine years or longer.

[Damon McLaughlin]

Ingenious, thank you for sharing.

[Damon McLaughlin]

I agree! I bought some of the 2" and 3" discs from Woodturners Wonders and found them just a bit too small also. I agree that they load up fast and don't last as long as others. I can't wait to use them up. I found a sanding pad that I had cut down and was just a bit smaller than the discs, so for now that pad is dedicated to these discs.

I haven't tried discs from 2sand but maybe I should. I seem to always be on a quest to find the best disc at the best price. I don't mind paying a little more for better quality. Because I go through a lot of sandpaper (because you're suppose to use it once and get rid of it), price is a consideration.

My favorite discs so far are the Norton A275 from The Sanding Glove (http://thesandingglove.com/Norton-A275-Speed-Grip-Discs.asp), followed by a close 2nd with Klingspor Stearate (which it doesn't look like they make anymore except for 600 grit and above?). I have used the Green discs from Vince and I like them. I believe in one of Vince's videos he says the difference between green and blue is the green have the grit marked on more of the discs.

I've also used Deerfos from Craft Supplies. It's an excellent disk but a bit high priced.
I've also used Norton Dry Ice from The Sanding Glove. It's an excellent disk also but even higher priced.

Discs that I won't use again are Industrial Abrasives (scratch patterns are too hard to get rid of), Mirka Gold (doesn't last at all), SIA Speed Ultra from Vince (doesn't last), and the above mentioned purple discs from Woodturners Wonders. When I say discs won't last, I'm talking they won't or barely last sanding one bowl. I'm not quite at the "use once and throw away" stage, I still try and get 2 bowls from one disc.

I have wanted to get a punch and make my own, but never got around to buying a punch.

I forgot to say that I do like and use 2" and 2-3/8" disc, and 3" and 3-3/8". I think that's another reason why I bought the green discs from Vince is because green comes in 2" and 3" and the blue doesn't. I use an oversize disc on the inside of bowls, and many times use the 2" or 3" on the outside because I can sand up closer to a bead or the foot. If I used an oversize for that it would hit the bead or my chuck jaws, etc.

Pat, thank you for the detailed reply. I appreciate your sharing what has and hasn't' worked for you as well as your experience using the different sizes. I hadn't thought about using oversized discs and needing to sneak up on beads or corners.

[Damon McLaughlin]

My main supplier of sanding disks is TURNINGWOOD.COM. I like the Mirka disks that Steve Worcester sells and have been using them for years. And you cannot get a better mandrel than Skilton mandrels Steve sells, the one I have I have been using for over 8 or nine years or longer.

Thank you Bill, I hadn't heard of turningwood.com so I'll be sure to check them out.

[Keith Outten]

Gentlemen,

If you are in the business of selling sand paper products you cannot get involved in any conversation on the subject here.
I pay for your products please pay for mine.

[Damon McLaughlin]

Its been a while since I posted my original question and with so many of you responding with comments and ideas I thought I would post a follow up.

I finally just got fed up with my current sanding discs that had uneven grit causing me to have to go back and re-sand that I finally made a purchase with Vince as so many of you had recommended him. I received my order a couple weeks ago and had a chance to sand a spindle and a bowl and was quite please. The green flex discs were very uniform in regards to their grit and didn't load up nearly as fast allowing them to last much longer. They have reduced my sanding time and my frustration level. I just want to add that unlike my first interaction this second interaction with Vince was very pleasant, informative and his customer service level was outstanding. I would not hesitate to buy from him again.

Thank you guys for the recommendation.

David

[Joe Meirhaeghe]

I'm a pretty frugal guy that said when it comes to sand paper I've found the more expensive sand papers are worth the extra cost to me. I mainly use Norton & 3M abrasives in both disc & sheets. To me they seem to have a more constant scratch pattern wear longer and get my overall sanding job done quicker. Yeah there more expensive but I'm ok with it. I turn mostly to sell my work & work the cost into it just like you would the power bill.
Kind of like the old saying from TV commercials for hair color ( more expensive yes but I'm worth it)
And yes I have tried the blue & green disc from the guy everyone here seems to use.

[allan kuntz]

For all you members from Canada check this link out. I have ordered from here twice. The service is good and the wave discs seem to cut and last
http://www.sandpaper.ca/product-category/hook-loop-products

[Reed Gray]

Hmm, missed this thread.... First, the over sized discs, i discovered a long time ago that stiff discs, and the disc that is exactly the same size as the pad, rigid pad or soft pad makes no difference, will leave some of the mystery scratches "how did those get there???" I tried just about every abrasive I could get my hands on, and always come back to the blue from Vince. For durability, the only other discs that come close were the Dry Ice ones from Norton I think. They were almost twice the cost of the blue. Other than that, none of the others come close for long lasting and clean cutting and even grit patterns. I think most abrasives now go with electrostatic distribution of grit rather than sifting, so this problem is minimal now. Cost wise I get far more value from the blue than the other discs. I do have access to a clicker punch press and used to punch my own discs. The press could punch out 5 layers at a time. With the price of buying discs 100 at a time, there was not enough money saving to make it worth the effort. The value packs of abrasives are okay, but still, I get better value from the blue discs. There is and/or was a purple abrasive from 3M that was a ceramic of some sort, and much more expensive than standard abrasives. It was only available in sticky back, and only in grits up to 220. Hardly ever see it any more. I did try the Mirka abrasives. On a 14 inch bowl, I could sand most of the outside of a bowl with one disc, but it was pretty dull by the time the outside was done. With the blue I can sand both inside and outside of at least one bowl. Big difference...

robo hippy

[Damon McLaughlin]

Thanks for your feedback Reed, much appreciated. I ended up buying Vince's green discs and in comparison to the purple ones I had before the green has a much more consistent grit and lasts much longer. I'll be sure to try out the blue discs the next time I need to order but that may not be for quite some time (I ordered 100 discs of the green should last me quite a while).

[Tim Boger]

That could be a game changer ... I have a paper cutting tool like those used in school which would cut the rolls of H&L nicely .


I'd just like to reiterate that you don't need to cut your sandpaper into circles for 90% of power sanding on the lathe. Squares work just fine.