Jet Tools M-628900 operating instructions Selecting Drum Abrasives, Selecting Abrasive Grits

Abrasives

The abrasive material you choose will have a substantial effect on the performance of your sander. Variations in paper type, weight, coating and durability all contribute to achieving your desired finish. For the best sanding results, Performax offers premium abrasives that have been tested and certified for lowest overall cost and maximum performance. Genuine Performax abrasives are available in pre-cut “Ready- to- Wrap” lengths or in the convenient pre-marked “Ready-to-Cut” box.

Selecting Drum Abrasives

To achieve maximum sanding results, it is important to select the proper grit of abrasive for the type of sanding being performed. As with any sanding operation, first begin sanding with a coarser grit, depending on the roughness of the stock, or the amount of stock to be removed. Then progressively work toward finer grits. The chart below shows the general uses for the various grits. Performax offers strip rolls in the nine different abrasive grits shown.

Grit			Common Application
24 Grit		Abrasive		planing,		surfacing			rough-
		sawn	boards,			maximum			stock
		removal, glue removal.
		Abrasive		planing,		surfacing			rough
36 Grit		sawn	boards,			maximum			stock
		removal, glue removal.
60 Grit		Surfacing		and	dimensioning boards,
		truing warped boards
80 Grit		Surfacing,		light			dimensioning,
		removing planer ripples.
100 Grit		Light	surfacing,		removing			light planer
		ripples.
120 Grit	Light surfacing, minimal stock removal.
150 Grit	Finish sanding, minimal stock removal.
180 Grit		Finish	sanding		only,		not	for	stock
		removal.
220 Grit		Finish	sanding		only,		not	for	stock
		removal.

Selecting Abrasive Grits

The amount of stock to be removed is a major consideration when choosing the grit grade to start with. Grits of 24, 36, 50, 60 and 80 are primarily designed for stock removal. Grits of 24 and 36 will remove the most material in one

pass, whether you are doing abrasive planing, cleaning up glued panels or flattening stock. Grits from 100 through 220 are primarily finishing grits designed to remove the scratch pattern from the previous grit used. For best results, never skip more than one grit grade when progressing through a sanding sequence.

For fine work, such as furniture, try not to skip any grit grades during the sanding process. In general, premium quality abrasives such as genuine Performax abrasives will produce a better finish with a less noticeable scratch pattern. Note: Grits that are too fine can sometimes burnish the wood and leave a glossy surface that will not accept stains evenly. This will vary by the type of wood. Oak, for example, is susceptible to burnishing because of its open pores.

Cleaning Abrasive Strips

A sandpaper cleaning stick may be used to remove deposits and help extend sandpaper life. To use, operate the sanding drum with the dust cover open.

For your own safety, always wear eye protection while

performing sandpaper cleaning, and take all precautions to avoid any contact of hands or clothing with uncovered drums. Hold the cleaning stick against the rotating drum and move it along the drum surface. It is a good idea to use a shop brush or air nozzle to remove any cleaning stick crumbs from the drums before resuming sanding operations.

Cloth-backed abrasives can be cleaned by soaking in paint thinner or mineral spirits for 20 minutes to one hour. Then use a nylon brush to remove any buildup.

Stretching Abrasive Life

Abrasive life can also be increased by removing the abrasive strip from the drum and reversing it. To do this, remove the strip and use what was the trailing end as the starting end on the left (outboard) side of the drum. Reversing the strip will provide a fresh set of cutting edges on the drum.

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