Shopsmith Forums

Ed in Tampa wrote:I wonder when these new abrasives will be available for the SS Sanding Disk.
I would like to try some on there.

I had assumed that these are the same abrasive technology: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... _discs.htm

I bought some several months ago, and have been very impressed so far. If they have the new backing material, I didn't notice it. But then, I don't see why you would need it on a stationary 12" sanding disc.

BuckeyeDennis wrote:I had assumed that these are the same abrasive technology: http://www.shopsmith.com/ownersite/cata ... _discs.htm

I bought some several months ago, and have been very impressed so far. If they have the new backing material, I didn't notice it. But then, I don't see why you would need it on a stationary 12" sanding disc.

Perhaps they are the same technology. I hadn't seen these before. Thanks for the heads up.

I saw the SS branded abrasives in my local blue box last week. They're going for about a buck per 5" disc.

I'm a fan of Mirka (gold), but always have to order and wait so maybe this will be a decent local alternative especially if they last longer.

Blue box here has both SS and Gator side by side with SS getting about 75% of the space.

I have not tried SS or any other G2 technology sandpaper. I am glad there is something better available as I could really relate to the SS vid in the first post. I do have to add, however, I have cut my sanding needs more than in half when I focused on hand planing and scraping to achieve the surface I want. I never use my belt sander to achieve a flat span of surface when a Stanley 7 or 8 will do the trick in less time with less dust and noise. Sanding scratches the surface. Plane shaves it. No comparison between a bench planed surface and a sanded one. It is my understanding that the "old timers" never did much sanding given the rarity of sandpaper. Usually, they used Sharkskin to smooth between coats of varnish or shellac. My vibrating, orbital, and belt sanders are seldom used any more. When I am shaping wood my go too tools are usually rasps followed by scraping and maybe light sanding with sponge, or rubber blocks. However, all that said I will look for the G2 material the next time I buy or am faced with a sanding project.

There is a lot to be said for the old ways. Other common abrasives include loose sand, ash, pumice and rotten stone powders.

I too am trying to reduce the dust from sanding by switching to hand planes and scrapers.

forrestb wrote:and SSabrasives has a full page add on the inside front cover of the latest issue of Fine WoodWorking magazine.

Have to give them a try. Has any forum member used them yet?

Forrest

Yes. Biggest problem so far is I can't get them to clog. I must be doing something wrong. I'm not used to this...