Sandpaper

[JoeyGee]

I know it's technically not a tool, but didn't know where else to post it...

What do you do for sandpaper? Do you buy in bulk, or just what you need from HD/Lowes, etc. Who has the best paper for the best price? I'm talking regular, and not discs or anyhing for sanders. Just stuff for sanding blocks and general sanding.

I had thought about buying self adhesive by the roll in the various grits I need and building a dispenser. I usually buy at Lowes by the sheet and end up cutting it down to smaller sizes, anyway.

[Hoakie]

I have switched to using Mirka brand paper. PSA rolls for hand sanding with cork and hook and loop for the ROS. I do have some full sheet stuff for hard odd shapes etc.

[cwsmith]

I either buy full sheet packs at Home Depot, Norton usually. I keep three grits in stock and most always cut them to fit my quarter-sheet sander immediately after I buy them.

That way, I can use them on the finishing sander or on any of the hand shapes that I use.

I have one each of the three shape-forms that Lee-Valley offers. An old felt-pad that I was given from a neighbor that used to work for a local furniture manufacturer, and a hard rubber hand block. All of these can use a 1/4-sheet or smaller.

I've thought of buying in bulk, but not sure it would be worth it when shipping costs are considered. Especially considering the low usage that I have and concern for shelf life.

CWS

[JimD]

I hate to run to the store and with the price of gas continually going up, you waste more than time. So I bought 50 sheets of Norton in 100 and 150 grit and a dozen or so in 220 and 320 from Lee Valley - I think it is 3M. I bought the newer Norton stuff that is supposed to sand faster and also 3M's newest paper with the same advertised advantage. I do not like sanding so I want to get it done as quickly as possible. I use the sheets on my old Rockwell Speedblock and on rubber hand sanding blocks. They take different shapes so I divide it as I use it, usually using a steel ruler to assist the rip.

I do as much sanding as possilble with my Milwaukee ROS which uses 5 inch 8 hole hook and loop. I bought a big assorted box but used the 80 grit up first so I got a 25 pack from Lowes. I thought they'd be junk but they are actually pretty good and not a bad price. I might stop mail ordering sandpaper if I have the same experience in other grits.

I don't think sandpaper goes bad but I have had the glue on belts for my belt sander get old and fail prematurely.

Jim

[Pappy]

I haven't bought sheets in bulk yet, but have been considering it. I also need to order belts for my Grizzly dge sander.

In the past I have ordered roll paper for my drum sander, discs for both ROS and stationary sanders, and belts my 3x21 sander and stationary sander.

The ROS discs I bought weree Rhynogrip from Industrial Abrasives. Since I have been happy with them, I will probably go with the same in sheet form.

http://www.industrialabrasives.com/

I also ordered some supplies from Supergrip at the same time.

http://www.supergrit.com/

Shipping is reasonable from both companies and the delivery was quick.

[bullethead1964]

With sandpaper, I hate to pay for gas or shipping to get it, so when I do buy it, I by enough to last me a long while. 100, 180, 220, 320 grits are what I use the most.

[RMCWoodWorks]

Sandpaper

For something in between HD/Lowes and wholesale, and for lots of choices of grit, life, abrasive ... you may want to look at Klingspor, sold in the US at retail stores in NC and at http://www.woodworkingshop.com .

Also, if you're a turner or even if not, you may want to look at ...
https://www.thesandingglove.com

[Chris_B]

+1 on Klingspor. Great quality at good prices.

Be sure to check out their "bargain boxes." For example, they are offering 5 lbs of PSA rolls (various grits) for $18, $16 ea for 10 lbs or more. 10 lbs is (to me) a LOT of PSA...
Shipping is $7.99 anywhere in the continental US, regardless of weight.