Sandpaper

HippoPete

Searching for an on-line supplier of medium and fine sandpaper (ideally in "selection packs"). It occurred to me that people building and finishing guitars might have some good hints.

All the best,

SteveRobinson

I like the 3M Sandblaster range. Its very consistent so no unwanted scratches and resists clogging.

GSPBASSES

 I used gold flex it's a foam  backed sandpaper, it virtually never clogs last much longer than any other sandpaper I've ever used. It gives a super smooth finish. At one time you could only buy in a box of 200 sheets but now there's a company that sell it in small lengths, see link below. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirka-GoldFlex-Soft-Sanding-Pads-115x125mm-Size-Choose-Grit-1Mtr-2Mtr-or-5-Mtr/183762293897?hash=item2ac9161489:g:NPYAAOSwgApW~Tos

axisus

GSPBASSES said:

 I used gold flex it's a foam  backed sandpaper, it virtually never clogs last much longer than any other sandpaper I've ever used. It gives a super smooth finish. At one time you could only buy in a box of 200 sheets but now there's a company that sell it in small lengths, see link below. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mirka-GoldFlex-Soft-Sanding-Pads-115x125mm-Size-Choose-Grit-1Mtr-2Mtr-or-5-Mtr/183762293897?hash=item2ac9161489:g:NPYAAOSwgApW~Tos

Interesting. What would be the essential grades to get from those in the link?

GSPBASSES

I use 150, 240 and 400, I start off with conventional sandpaper 80 and 120 then switch to the foam back. Interestingly the 150 gold flex removes about the same amount of material as conventional 120, but leaves a much smoother finish with virtually no scratch lines.

axisus

GSPBASSES said:

I use 150, 240 and 400, I start off with conventional sandpaper 80 and 120 then switch to the foam back. Interestingly the 150 gold flex removes about the same amount of material as conventional 120, but leaves a much smoother finish with virtually no scratch lines.

Ta, ordering tonight!

Roland

GSPBASSES said:

I use 150, 240 and 400, I start off with conventional sandpaper 80 and 120 then switch to the foam back. Interestingly the 150 gold flex removes about the same amount of material as conventional 120, but leaves a much smoother finish with virtually no scratch lines.

This is the important point. Cheap sandpaper’s remove less, clog more easily, and leave a rougher surface. They are usually false economy.

HippoPete

Greatly appreciate the input all. I had my suspicions about cheap sandpaper, ToolStation, Wickes etc.

The reason for asking is that I’ve bought myself a scroll saw and am currently cutting out Christmas themed items that I’d like to have a nice finish on.

Thanks again,

greggreg66

Foam backed paper is great. For sanders the Festool granat ones are good. 

Jazzthat

I usually buy Klingspor and it's a good quality . Probably best to buy in packs of 50 sheets .
If you only need couple of them then eBay it is

Cheesyfeet

Following the recommendations on this thread, I got some Mirka Goldflex.  Wow, it's superb.  Near effortless to use and leaves a stunningly smooth, clean finish.  Highly recommended.