I'm having trouble finding abrasives to work with. I've found 400grit at my local home depot and figure I'd have to order some 600 or higher grit wet dry paper, what brands do you recommend for this? Also the higher stuff, polishing paper and whatnot, kinda the same question, what's the cream of the crop?

For myself, with cork, I really don't use anything finer than 400 grit sandpaper. If I am doing acrylics or corian, I use the micro sanding sheets from Woodcraft which start out at like 800 and go to like 12,000 grit.

3M is what I find most often available in the auto parts stores-works fine

Ahh, auto parts stores, I wouldn't have thought it....this place rocks, thanks Chris. I plan on getting into the acrylics as well, so I'll have to scope out woodcraft.

Andrew on line Craft supplies USA has Finkat paper excellent product in finer Grits
Arizona silhouette a pen making site has Kingspor paper to 800 or higher grit also check out specials on kingspor web site re paper still using the stuff I got at the last ICRBE from them
John

3M is certainly the best paper I've used.

Auto parts stores is where to go for the higher grits. And wet/dry paper.

I've got 50 thru 2,000 grit papers.

50 - 120 for Hypalon. 80 - 400 for cork. 220 - 2,000 for smoothing finish, stablized wood, etc.




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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

I buy sandpaper up to 2000 grit on amazon, pretty inexpensive and high quality

Check the phone book for auto paint supply stores in your area. They have an amazing aray of sandpaper. If or when you need a "polishing compound", check out Birchwood Casey Stock Sheen". This is what they use on "hand rubbed" gun stocks to get the "like glass" finish.

Rockler Woodworking & Hardware is also an excellent source for Sand Papers and Micro mesh. Grits available are 60 to 12,000.

My Home Depot has all I need. Auto body suppliers also give a selection of any grit sand paper you will need. I generally only use 80-100 dry-220-320-400 wet dry. Any thing finner I use a course and fine scotch pad.

Bill - willierods.com

klingspors had a booth at the show last year. their gold cloth backed paper is the best i have ever seen or used. you can get it online. i use it to 400grit and then go the the alum oxide up to 1500 which is paper backed. they are known worldwide for their sandpaper and you will be hard pressed to find any better. i am fortunate that i get it locally and can buy it by the lb. it lasts longer than any other sandpaper i have ever used

BARGAIN Box's in several sizes for decent prices and grits.


"Klingsporwoodworking.com"

I have used their products for several years on my woodworking projects and find this the best way to buy sandpaper and as for quality it is great. I am not affiliated in anyway, just a loyal customer who likes a good product and bargain.

and finally after you use the fine sand paper, use your good old brown paper grocery bag.

John Britt talked me into trying the Klingspor cloth-backed sandpaper (yellow). WOW ... phenomenal stuff. It holds up very well and conforms to the workpiece - making life much easier.

As mentioned, they sell mill ends by the pound at the ICRBE show. For $20 you can own a lifetime supply for most builders (for JP we are probably talking a month or so ... LOL). They are listed as "The Woodworking Shop" on the vendor list and associated materials.

Jim -

JP turned me on to the Klingspoors at the show and it's great stuff

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!