I converted my 5″ round pad random orbit sander to the Abranet system last year, and am very pleased with both the dramatic improvement in dust collection and the great sanding finish that it yields.
Now I want to convert my 4″ x 4.5″ “square” pad ros to the same system, but I can’t find a conversion platen or platen protector pad to accomplish it.
Has anyone else found a solution to this?
Coupled with a shop vac with a paper bag insert, I’ve found that I get almost no sanding dust floating around the shop when using the system, and the Abranet is fast – doesn’t load up with shellac when I’m finish sanding parts that I’ve sealed with Seal Coat, and lasts and lasts. (no I don’t sell the stuff).
Mike D
Replies
Hmmmm, I'm so protectively isolated I didn't know there was a square ROS. Glad you're enjoying the Abranet, I love it!
Darn it, Forestgirl, now I've got to go down to the shop and look!
I'll be right back.
Mike D :)
O.k., o.k., my bad. It's an orbital finishing sander (OFS? nah!) as opposed to a random orbital sander. Bosch 1297D 1/4 sheet finishing sander. Sometimes I need it to get up against sides not being sanded, and because it's not as aggressive as my Random orbital (round) sander.Anyway, it's more delicate (sigh) than my ROS and sometimes it's the tool that I need. Now it's the tool that I want to use with Abranet and not make so darn much dust! If I want to replace the tool, entirely, the Abranet site says that it has a 1/4 and a 1/2 OFS made specifically for it's abrasive. Lord knows what it (they) cost.Mike D
I don't know what you might run into, using Abanet on that sander. I know that when I've used it by hand, I've needed to pay attention to the orientation of the Abranet. Look at the way the mesh is designed, you'll see what I mean.
Wouldn't be surprised if their sanders are kinda pricey. Whadya think? perhaps the pads are smaller so a 5" round disc would cover the square surface? Intriguing. I know I save money when I use the Abranet, but it might take awhile to make it pay for a special sander, LOL.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
What's with this Abranet sanding disc I am hearing about. My old sander is dying, really dead ( I need to hold the switch on while sanding) and I don't want to just replace it if I can find a better one. You said there is a sander also?
Mirka makes Abranet discs for random orbital sanders. You need an interface pad to get the best results, you just put it on the face of your ROS, and then put the Abranet discs on. I always recommend to people that they get the "sample pack" of Abranet, and the interface, given 'em a try and see if they like it. I got mine at one of the Woodworking Shows.
Abranet is basically a fine mesh with abrasives incorporated. As such, the dust collection is excellent if you can hook a vacuum up to your sander as I do. And the discs outlast regular sandpaper many times over.
I'll post this now, and then look to see where you can get the sample and pads.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Do you know if they make an electric sander for it . I am thinking of getting bosch 1250de as it has dust extraction but can't see a conversion for abranet. I have used mesh for drywall for years as it works well but I did not know they had the same for wood
OK, go to this page at Homestead Finishing, scroll down about 3/4 of the way down the page, and you'll see his section on Abranet. The assortment kit is what I was calling a Sample Pack.
There are two other items they suggest when converting to Abranet, but I can't remember which is which. I got the thin "thing" that enables a standard pad to securely hold an Abranet disc, but I did not get the thicker pad, which was pretty expensive. Haven't had any problems with what I use. You may have to call to sort out what's what.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Thank you very much. This gives me more choices to narrow down to. I do like their jet vac sander but I can't find out the air requirements. I may just opt for the bosch and try a conversion kit. Happy woodworking.
I'm sure they'd give you the air requirements over the phone, but really you can pick up whatever sander you like the best and adapt it to the Abranet. Hope you like it! There are a few naysayers out there, but hard to tell if they used it appropriately.
What converted me was sanding Poplar. Two cupboard-type things, one I sanded with regular, quality, sandpaper. Went through a bunch of it! The second I used Abranet exclusively. Wow. Saved $$ and time. Plus the reduction in airborne sawdust. Cool.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
They make a conversion pad for round random orbital sanders. Works great with a vacuum hookup. They don't make a conversion pad for 1/4 sheet (square format) or 1/2 sheet orbital finish sanders, but....they sell a complete 1/4 or 1/2 sheet finish sander with a vacuum hookup to it. Never tried that.Mike D
Thanx mike. I think I am going to go with the conversion as I didn't find out what the cfm rating is for their air ros is. I like the idea of less dust as sanding is the worst dust producer in the shop.
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