What's on your disc sander??

[Cutting Cathy]

Ok I must admit I am a little spoiled!! I told my husband that I really needed a disc sander so instead of some cheapy 6 inch belt/disc sander combo he got me this:

May 16, 2009 002.jpg

I love this sander!! It runs so smooth you hardly know it's on!! This came with 80, but that just seems too coarse. I have used it mostly for leveling the bottoms of things, like the nativity set or crosses. What I need to know is what grit of sandpaper do you have on your disc sander?? I need to order some, but wasn't sure what to go with. You pretty much have to go with one and stick with it. It's not like a palm or orbital sander where you can change grits at will!! So what grit do you think is the best???

[minowevie]

Hi Cathy, my disk sander has pressure sensitive sanding papers. you can change them at will. I like mine at a courser grit. because it is for taking off stuff fast. I don't use mine for sanding things, just taking off wood. but you can get them at any grit. I would order at least a 150. and a 220. for sure. this is a cool toy. but be careful. it can grab the wood. and the sides of the disk, can cut into your project. so just don't push to hard. just my 2 cents. your friend Evie

[wood-n-things]

I currently have 150 on mine with several 220 standing by. It does remove wood rapidly so take your time and use the rest so it does not fling things across the room.
Congrats on being spoiled--- Nothing wrong with that.

[JohnB]

G'day Cathy,
I have 80g on mine as I use it for rounding corners and first sanding.
I've used 100g and found it a pretty good compromise between speed and finish.

BTW. Some people deserve to be spoilt.

[miniwoodworker]

Cathy, if you can, try to find a combo pack of sanding grits. Then, you can see, for yourself, what works best for you. You may prefer a slower or faster cutting action than I like, for example. Use any that you don't want on your sander to use on a granite tile or piece of plate glass for times when you need do do some manual shaping.

BTW, nice sander!

[Cutting Cathy]

If I remove the sand paper is that piece trash then?? It seems like it could get a little costly changing sand paper for different grits. But then when I think about it, if I'm going to use this mainly for "leveling" the bottoms of things then I can leave say the 220 on. It's when I want to remove wood rapidly I would have to change the paper and if that piece hasn't been used very much it would be a shame to have to throw it away. Does this make any sense???? Sometimes I just ramble!!!

[ncsealeveler]

Congrats on new toy,tool.I use 80 & 150.I sand a peice of scrap to get the disc to get the glue warm and it removes easier and less chance of tearing and can be reused.Tony

[JamesHuntsville]

Hi Cathy,

I have two disk sanders and keep a 180 grit on the Jet with filter and 120 grit on the big disk/belt sander. I know most people don't have the luxury to have two sanders but I would suggest to you to choose a 150 or 180 grit for your use. I do not recommend 220 grit because these sanders have a high enough speed that a fine grit will burn the wood and is slow about removing wood.Since you are going to use it to sand edges then either of these two grits should do the job fine.You have a very nice sander. It looks like a 12 inch. Also be careful because if you are trying to remove wood pretty fast and when pushing hard against the disk and you slip, believe me it is rough on your fingers when they hit the disk. I found this out the hard way. Believe me they will remove skin faster than wood. Enjoy your sander because it should last you a life time. You only need a medium range grit to do a good job. Work safe.

[ubgoofy2003]

Cathy, you have some good advice there. Those disc sheets are not fun to change, if you need to. And Jameshuntsville, your shop is awfully clean, you better start making some dust, HA Perk

[Bluebird]

Hi Cathy,
I have 80 grits on my disk sander. I use it to remove wood fast and do a first pass at shaping. I use it too to reduce any cut piece thickness to what I want. I then use an inflated drum sander to finalize the shaping with 120g, combine with my rotary tool little sander drums. Many options for you to experiment with. Enjoy!