Has anyone tried that new (at least to me) Norton 3X sandpaper (in the yellow package?) Â*About a month ago I saw it on the shelf when I was buying some of my usual garnet paper. Â*I took a look at it and noticed it was about 50% higher than the regular garnet so I just ignored it.

Weekend before last, I was at a woodcarving show where Norton was one of the sponsors. Â*Included in the package that all competitors were given was a sample pack of this stuff.

A couple of days ago I turned four table legs and decided to give this stuff a try. Â*I took an 80 grit 9 x 11 sheet and cut it into quarters. Â*I took one of the quarters and folded it into four pieces. Â*I used two of the little quarters to sand the legs while they were spinning on the lathe and didn't hardly put a dent in the sandpaper and got no tearing whatsoever. Â*You can't hardly clog it either. Â*I am still using that folded quarter, specifically the two pieces that I used to sand the table legs on a project I am working on now and the paper is still going strong. Â*It's cutting just great and it is just now starting to perforate along one of the folds. Â*

I believe I am going to make this my sandpaper of choice. Â*I have always used garnet, never cared much for aluminum oxide for sanding wood, but this 3X stuff is really impressive (IMHO). Â*Anybody else have any experience or feelings about this product?

hey Dunc thanks for the report. I was curious how the grit holds up on the creased edge? Thanks,

Dave

From what I can tell, the grit holds up good on the crease. The main thing about the creases I noticed are that they are pretty resistant to perforation/tearing. I have found out since I posted the above that this stuff is apparently made from a premium grade aluminum oxide. Also, the paper is very flexible and resists tearing because it has some kind of fiber mixed in.

Thanks for the recommendation, Duncan. I've been using 3M's Sandblaster paper - it wears better than others I've tried, but it sounds like you found a real gem at least worth taking a look at.

Thanks!

Teri

[Callynne]

Â* Â* This sounds like something I'm definitely going to try. Â*I love my little pen sander but still need to 'get into tight places' with just a handheld piece and I always have to fold it to get into where I need it. Â*Is this sandpaper available everywhere or certain stores? Â*I never noticed it (but that's not saying much!!). Â*Tomorrow's shopping night, I'll have to look for it. Â*Thanks for telling us about it! Â*Callynne

Callynne, what is a pen sander? Is that anything like those spring loaded sanding stix?

This Norton 3X paper won't replace the sanding stix, I use those all the time and couldn't hardly work without them. However, I am just impressed by how long this stuff lasts, how it hardly clogs up and it's general toughness.

[Callynne]

Â* Â* Duncan, the pen sander is a wonderful little invention. Â*I got mine for Christmas and wouldn't be without it. Â* To see a photo and discription of it, go to www.proxxon.com select Micromot power tools then select Hand held power tools 12 V & AC adapters. Â*On that page just click on the thumbnail photo of the pen sander.
Â* Â* The only place I know of to get them is through MDI Woodcarvers, if you don't have their catalog go to www.mdiwoodcarvers.com or call 800-866-5728. Â*
Â* Â* The sander is $42.50 and it takes an adapter, there are two models one for $21.50 and the other $57.50. Â*I have the $21.50 one. Â*They also make rotary tools that use the same adapter but I don't have one of them.
Â* Â* I honestly love this sander, it's worth every penny and the day it quits working I'll be ordering a new one. Â*If you get one let me know how you like it...bet you'll love it! Â*Callynne

Thanks, Callynne, I will check it out. I am for anything that makes the dreaded sanding easier and/or more convenient.

Wolf

I checked out the Proxxon website and located that pen sander. I have a couple of questions in reference to it. Looking at the pix, it seems to be about the size of the Foredom hand piece. Is that correct? Also, these adapters, I am guessing that they are basically speed controls. Could find no info in this regard. Additionally, how are the sanding pens connected to the adapters? Is is a small electrical cord like the connection between the control box and a woodburning pen or is it some sort of a flex shaft?

I attempted to look this stuff up on the MDI Woodcarver site and was unable to find it. I punched up micro tools with no success and when I entered Micromot in the search box I got 'no result'. Could they have quit carrying this thing?

I am actually not planning on buying one right away as I just bought a new drill press and a laser guided hollowing system for the lathe so money is a little tight. However, this pen sander is something I have put on my 'to get' list when finances allow so I am just trying to get my info lined up now.

[Callynne]

Â* Â* Wolf, MDI just started carrying the Proxxon line of tools, they had them in their Holiday flyer so they should be adding them to their site.
Â* Â* I don't have a Foredom but the size of the sander is a little under seven inches, it plugs into the power supply. Â*It has both straight and angled little attachments that fit into the sander. Â*You just choose which attachment (I prefer the angled ones), put the self adhesive sand paper on and go to it. Â*It really works great...think I've mentioned that before! Â*
Sanding was my very least favorite thing about carving and now it's a 'nothing', I can sand as smooth as I want or just once over lightly and leave as many knife marks as I want and it's so easy and fast with this little gem. Â*
Â* Â* If you don't get MDI's catalog you should, so you can check it out. Â*I have the Proxxon reciprocating carver and I love it too, I think their products are very well made and the price is right. Â* Callynne

P.S. No....I don't get any kickbacks or anything for hawking their products....bummer!! :
P.P.S. Â*And no....I'm not connected to or a relative of anyone at MDI Woodcarving either! Â*I wish, I wish!! Â*
Â* Â*