Sand-O-Flex

[Chase]

Recently purchased a Sand-O-Flex (page 51 latest Klingspor catalog). Would appreciate any comments from users of this tool.

Chase

[Old Dude]

Chase...

Not many responses to this post...maybe I can turn it around back at you. I'm thinking of getting this tool, and now that you've been an owner for awhile I'd be interested to hear what you think of it, what you've used it for, how you mounted it, reliability, life of abrasives, ease of reloading, etc.

Thanks.
Ed

[Chase]

Originally Posted by Old Dude

Chase...

Not many responses to this post...maybe I can turn it around back at you. I'm thinking of getting this tool, and now that you've been an owner for awhile I'd be interested to hear what you think of it, what you've used it for, how you mounted it, reliability, life of abrasives, ease of reloading, etc.

Thanks.
Ed

Ed, its ok. Just ok. I mounted mine on an old elec drill with 2 speeds. I have the drill mounted on a board. I use both speeds, but for the fine grits, the high speed works best. Hard to change grits. Refills expensive. Tried making my own refills. You need to make a core and then you can load your own refills. If you get one, let me know and I'll send you a pic of my shop made core.
Probably wouldn't get another one. I use mine, but if you want to change grits its very time consuming. Refills do last a long time. Haven't had to replace the brushes yet.

For the price, its reasonable. For the future, I'll probably get a mop from Klingspore.

For small pieces, I put some finger protection on the tips of my fingers.

Hope this helps.

Chase

PS See folks, the search function works. Ed went back to last year to review old posts.

[Chase]

Ed, just reviewed your profile. What is a 1911A1?

Chase

[Mike Crosa]

Usually a Colt .45 semiauto.

[Old Dude]

Chase...

Thanks for the post. Very informative. I think I'll pass on the Sand-O-Flex and go with the sanding mop. I saw the mops in Kathy Wise's book, and she does such beatiful work that I figured it can't be too bad an idea to follow her lead...although I have no hope of ever getting to the top of that hill she's on. I saw the Sand-O-Flex in another book so it set me wondering. Thanks for clearing it up.

Mike is correct, a 1911A1 is a .45 semiauto. It's the weapon designed by John Browning in 190? and adopted by the military in 1911. Originally it was the M1911, but after a short time a couple of improvements were made, which resulted in the A1. It was the official sidearm of the military until recently when it was replaced by the 9mm. An interesting point here is that the 9mm has such a poor reputation for knock-down power that many troops are now buying their own personal 1911A1s for use in combat. But the govt, being the huge stubborn entity that it is is still holding onto the nine. The 1911A1 is the most-copied handgun in history, which stands as a tribute to the genius of John Browning. There are more 1911A1s being manufactured today than ever before, and they can be purchased anywhere from around $400 to over $2500. When I was in the Marine Corps it was my weapon of issue, which spoiled me because now it's the only handgun that feels right to me. I have three of them, and enjoy shooting them and also reloading my own ammo. I also have a concealed carry permit, and even though this pistol is large it's still my carry gun. I hope I never have to use it in defense of my person, but if I ever do, win or lose, at least the playing field will be level. Sorry about the ramble.

Cheers.
Ed

[Chase]

Ed, I feel so dumb.
I know the 1911A1 very well. I was an Army Aviator for 22 years and it was the side arm of issue. Carried one for many years. Even qualified expert. For some reason, in my 2d tour in Viet Nam we were issued 38s.

I bought a 9mm Lugar in the Rod and Gun club in Germany. Went to the range and qualified with it so I could carry it as my side arm. Just a status symbol. Highly accurate but a speck of dust and you had a stoppage. With the 45 you could throw it in the sand and it kept on firing.

Agree with you assessment of how the gvt does business. Been there, done that.

I also have a Conceal and Carry; Virginia and NC. However the largest caliber hand gun I now own is a 32. I usually just put my little 25 Beretta in my hip pocket.

Chase

[Old Dude]

I looked at your profile and I knew you knew it.

[sawdustus]

I used the Sand-O-Flex for a few years and the sanding mops from Klingspor for the last two. The mops beat the flex six ways to sunday for ease of use, not breaking delicate parts off, refilling the mandrels, advancing the paper, grit selection, etc.. I like to use them at a slow speed (600 rpm) on my drill press and I put very little pressure, barely touching the piece to the spinning mop, as I sand it.

sawdustus

[resauers]

Hi sawdustus,

Where can I purchase sanding mops from Klingspor?

Thanks,
Russ