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Okay, let's talk about abrasive paper. Now, the thing to remember about abrasive paper
is that it has a grit rating. Now, the way it works is the lower the number the coarser
the grit. As you can see, there is a variety of papers on the market. Now what you have
to do is look at what you have to sand, and I'll help you choose the exact paper that
you will need for the job.
When you are sanding bare timber, you can use glass paper or garnet paper. For metal
services you can use wet and dry paper or emery cloth. And, finally for painted surfaces
and sanding in between coats you can use your aluminum oxides.
As these abrasives come in a variety of forms you will need to use the right applicator.
For sanding sheets and rolls you will need to use a cork block. For your belt sanders,
they're available in a belt and for your random orbital sanders; you've got them in discs.
Now, when you've actually got to get around a shape, like a round shape, you've got these
new sanding sponges. They're great because they will actually form to the actual shape
that you're working with.
Here's a tip, to get maximum usage out of your sheet, fold it in half and tear it, and
then tear that into three again. As a result, you will get six sheets that will fit your
block exactly. Always sand with the grain and never across the grain because you will
scratch your timber. The idea of sanding is to start with the lower grits like the 120s,
they are a little bit coarser and work your way up to the 240s. They're the finer grits.
When sanding always remember to use your safety gear; a dust mask and some safety glasses.
One more tip, just before your final sand use a bit of mentholated spirits and a rag
and wipe down the job. That'll get rid of any of the excess dust. It will raise the
timber fibers so that you can hit that with a 240 grit paper and clean that off nicely.
The job will be ready for polishing then.