Abrasive discs vs. 9x11 sheets

[alexkuzn]

I keep hearing that abrasive discs last longer than discs cut out of 9x11 sheets.
It sounds logical to me. After all sheets must be optimized for slow sanding and
discs must be optimized for fast machine grinding.

I can get a 9x11" sheet for about $0.50 vs. Klingspor 9" Sanding Discs(plain backing) www.popsknifesupplies.com at about $1.50

Does anyone know if they'll really last 3 times longer?

Thanks,
Alex

[Dan Graves]

Check the Tips of the Trade in sr Johnsons thread last page.

[Drac]

Now I am talking about the cloth backed ones I get from Pop's, not the paper backed ones you get from Sear's or Harbor Freight. Those are meant for wood working and go smooth in seconds when metal is applied. I use a 12" disc sander for flattening metal, cleaning up scale, tapering tangs & shaping bolsters mostly. I will say that the discs are a great deal more expensive and they do not come in the finer grits, but they do last a long time on hard grinding. I can taper 5-7 tangs per disc fairly easily. Another plus is that they seem run cooler than the paper, maybe because the grit stays shaper longer.

Just remember just because it works for me doesn't mean it's the Right way, it's just right for me. I like Gator belts, a lot of people don't.

Jim

[alexkuzn]

I'll give Pop's discs a try.