Tool review: Diablo SandNET sanding blocks
This Diablo SandNET kit boasts longevity and integrity.
For years I used adhesive-backed sandpaper on a plywood or cork block. I eventually realized that the expense of the sticky-back sandpaper caused me to use each piece well past its prime. A few months ago, out of curiosity, I grabbed a set of Diablo SandNET hand sanding sheets and a sanding block. The kit included a sanding pad and a few 80-, 120-, and 220-grit sanding sheets.
The SandNET sheets, made of abrasive mesh, remain clear much longer than traditional sandpaper, and in turn last far longer. Since the mesh keeps from clogging, I was able to use one 120-grit piece of mesh far longer than I expected—right up until the adhesive on the grit eventually broke down. I would love to see the SandNET paper made in 180-grit. The jump from 120-grit to 220 is too drastic for my tastes.
The sanding pad is made of two densities of foam with hook-and-loop on both sides. One side is more dense, with just enough give to it for 98% of my sanding tasks. It feels very similar to sanding with a cork block. If you find yourself sanding contoured pieces, such as cove molding, the other side is much softer, letting it shape to a piece.
—Ben Strano is the editor of FineWoodworking.com.
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All About Sandpaper |
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Sanding on the Drill Press |
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Tool Review: Sanding Nets by Festool |
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Comments
Our local Ace hardware sells 9"x11" Diablo Sandnet sheets with 150 or 180 grits in 5 packs for $10.99. Cut them up and get enough for about 30 mini sheets for the blocks!
An alternative, available for years & years, is Abranet - open mesh sanding "papers" and various sanding implements to mount them on.
I have four sponges not unlike that shown in the article, with a hard side and a soft side having velcro hooked surfaces. One attaches a matching Abranet piece to both sides.
I alternate the grits: an 80/180 sponge (180 0n the soft side); ditto 120/240; 180/320; 240/400. This gives the ability to progress through the grits, starting with hard/rough and finishing with fine/soft.
The Abranet grit also lasts for ages.
The same sanding sheets fit on another Abranet hard hand-sanding pad that has a rubber palm grip and a connection for an extraction hose, so the dust is sucked up as you go, meaning more efficient sanding and far less dust floating in the air of your shop.
Lataxe
Lee Valley sells Abranet precut 3X5 sheets in grits from 80 to 600. It's kind of pricey but I don't know how Abranet compairs in longevity to SandNet, Klingspor and other brands.
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