Does anyone here prefer one type over the other? I’ve never done a direct comparison myself, so I’m curious what others have found.
It seems like one style cuts faster but doesn’t allow for nearly as effective dust extraction. Has anyone found that the slower-cutting discs with shorter life are better if it means avoiding swirl marks?
Lately, I’ve been using the full-coverage discs, but swirlies seem inevitable. I’m using good sanders, solid dust extraction, and I don’t apply too much pressure when sanding.
My 6″ RO died a while back (don’t buy the 3M sander — mine failed one month out of warranty, just like everyone else’s… and it costs as much as a Festool).
I’m planning to trim the remaining discs down to 5″ and try them on my other sanders to see if I notice a difference — but figured I’d ask if anyone else has already tested this out or has any advice besides hand planing or scraping.
Replies
Wondering the same thing. Hope someone has tried them and can answer.
I have the extract and not getting the life I expected. Still better than what I was using. But have seriously consider trying the other style. Close to twice as much grit so I expect faster sanding and/or longer life.
Have not tried the one on the right but the mesh 3M cubitron sands long and fast and has perfect dust extraction on my Bosch 6in RO Sander requires a transition pad however since it has no velcro backing.
I'm surprised to read your experience with the 3M sander, but thanks for the info!
Wouldnt turn on. When i went looking online i had found a LOT of others had the same exact failure mode. Almost always juuuuust outside of warranty. Was not happy.
Live and learn.
I have both papers but the right side one only in 400. Both last and cut ok but I will add that I don't think either cubitron paper lasts a long time. The speed it cuts seems to make up for that however. I will say that adjusting sanding speed makes a big difference in paper longevity and not just in how fast it sands.
I too, am surprised by the comments about the sander. I've had mine for just three years and have had no problems. Will have to look into this. Thanks.
They deff seem to cut faster and last longer than than the other cheaper ones ive used. That being said i havent used much else.
Im glad yours is working. Im sure every sander they made isnt bad. There is definetly some defect that affects a certain percentage of them though as everyones whos failed did so a certain way after a certain time. very pepculiar...just doesnt turn on. no lights, sounds, smells. I took it apart after 3M shafted me to see if it was something stupid like a brittle connection or something. thats what it seemed like. Couldnt find anything. IIRC all the electronics was all potted in one big square. makes sense.
I suspect yours just doesnt have whatever defect it is.
To be fair i really liked that sander right up until the day it didnt turn on. And i love their extractor.
Its a good machine if you arent unlucky like me.
Found this to be an interesting read.
https://www.woodmagazine.com/woodworking-tools/reviews/sanders/sanding-discs
The 3M Cubitron tends to have the hook and loop material fail way before the abrasive has been consumed. The abrasive works well but you do not get your money's worth based on the premium price.
The 3M Xtract is far superior in being able to use the disc to exhaustion. I would buy this anytime I found a good deal. It is a very usable product.
The Mirka Abranet, for me, is the clear winner in dust collection, durability of the hook/loop material, usable life, and flexibility. If you figure the abrasives usable life versus the cost per disc they make more sense. Just one woodworker's opinion.
I just ordered an assortment pack of the Mirka and am excited to try it out.
Thanks for that. Thanks wil_d for the article too.