Why use 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.

 

[RelicsOfWitney]

You may find the abrasive pads score the wood less than a paper might and are generally more durable. Wire wool is great for some things, but can shed fine pieces of metal which can rust (depending on what you are finishing with).

 

[Alexam]

Better than sandpaper - use Abranet, which doesn't clog. Also, sanding to 400 then sanding sealer and sanding again with 400 and 600 grit will give you a better finish, followed by microcrystaline wax polish

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

the abrasive pads referred to (the colours you mention) sound like the 3M products or similar. I use a similar type for finishing in wood turning.

They are superb for the finishing steps beyond 240 grit to give a really fine finish, almost a burnished finish where the wood surface is so finely finished the surface begins to reflect light like a mirror (this is before any kind of sanding sealer/wax etc). The ones I use I get from Richard Findley's web shop, which is here (Quite close to the bottom of the page)


Red is 600 grit and yellow 1000 grit. Called Nyweb pads, they're very like pan scourers and work really well. The yellow one is good for applying oils or waxes or to cut back between coats its so fine and is a good substitute for wire wool that leaves no bits of metal.