Instead of the traditional way of making sanding sticks (wrap. score, wrap, etc.), I used rubber cement. The 3M films last a long time, so the layer upon layer method of making sanding sticks wasn't used. Then, just because I had them, I made more using ice cream, or popsicle sticks. These smaller sticks will allow sanding inside smaller areas.
If you are not familiar with the 3M finishing films and do use sandpaper, you really should look into this material and give it a try. It comes in grits of 9, 15, 30, 40 and 60 microns and the sheets are color coded so you can tell them apart, even though the size is printed on the back side. At one time you could get it in 20 micron, but I haven't seen any of that size. Most jewelry supply houses carry the material, but you can get it from automobile parts stores as the material was originally made for the auto industry.
Great tips, John. I like the rubber cement idea and will put that one to use. I'm also a big fan of 3m polishing papers. Same micron-graded grit concept, except the backing, instead of a plastic sheet, is more like a super-lightweight fabric, which is very handy in finishing applications. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses...
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. After the first of the year, I'm going on a buying spree and I will definitely get some of the polishing papers.
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