Using Abrasive pads

[ScouseKev]

Hi Gents.

Sorry if this question seems very basic.

I'm getting close to the end of a small project using Walnut, Bubinga and birch ply.

The instructions say to sand it up to 240 grit the use 3 abrasive pads....white green and red.

My question is.... Are these pads just a finer grit sandpaper? And if so why not just go up another grit?

Also i notice that some use wire wool too, whats the advantage?

Thanks for your help.

 

[rafezetter]

Yes the pads are basically an alternate to sandpaper or wire wool. I don't really know too much about the colour / grit rating compared to sandpaper as I've only ever tried the harsh green and very fine gray.

It's horses for courses on the abrasive medium of choice. Wire wool and pads are often used as they resist clogging better than normal non stearated / perforated sandpaper, with the wire wool having a longer cutting life than the pads.

My own personal experience with pads is very occasionally the colour of the pad has transfered to the wood, I've no idea if it was because of the wood or the pad, but I've not used them much since for that reason. So if it's fine work you are doing, you might want to check first someplace not obvious.

Wire wool is also good to use for cleaning an old finish using the appropriate cleaning medium or for applying a new finish; wax, oil, even oil based poly can all be helped to really penetrate with assistance from wire wool.

Hope this helps.

 

[mailee]

The Scotchbite pads are ideal for Oak where you can't use wire wool. :wink:

 

[Peter Sefton]

I would say use abrasive paper for sanding down your project prior to finishing or use Abranet for reduced dust and colour contamination. We use Mirlon pads or wire wool during the finishing process but usually only at the end if either dulling down or used with wax for a final sheen.

I wrote a couple of articles for British Woodworking that may be of use to you.

http://www.peterseftonfurnitureschool.c ... ul2011.pdf

http://www.peterseftonfurnitureschool.c ... spart2.pdf

Cheers Peter

 

[Alexam]

I'll second Peter's suggestion of Abranet and use thoe 90% of the time, with grits I have from 80 to 600. Finishing with 400 and 600 gives a lovely finish and they do not clog up. Use by hand or with an applicator.
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid ... ing%20mesh

 

[Student]

Peter doesn't mention it himself but he also stocks Mirlon and Abranet at competitive prices

http://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/epages ... a__Abranet