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I need to order sandpaper for my random orbit sander (ROS). I have an old 334 Porter Cable which has a 5" PSA pad so hook and loop won't do. I recently tried a ROS on the back and top for the first time and I don't want to go back to hand sanding those areas <smile>. It sure leaves a nice, sleek finish.

I only use this for finish sanding so only need higher grits. I need a replacement roll of 220g for sanding prior to pore filling; otherwise, I'm thinking I should get 400-600 for sanding zpoxy etc. Anyone tried level sanding a finish with a ROS?

So what grits do you use, what brands do you use, and where do you buy it?

For the record, all I've tried is 415N TRI-M-ITE Fre-CUT A wt paper.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I've just started using 3M Fre-cut gold 216U. I really like it. It last a long time, doesn't load up, and is compatible with water based finishes (non-stearated). The best prices I found were on Amazon.

Best.. M

Are all sterates bad for finishes? Reason I ask is I had Carborundum Premier Red Dry-Lube paper recommended to me for sanding finishes. I bought this and used it on my first build. It sanded great and I didn't notice any adhesion issues. Now while reading about this paper for my ROS, I see it has some form of sterate applied.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I've just read that stearates can cause fisheye problems with water based finishes. The places that sell the 3M fre-cut paper tend to be automotive painting suppliers. Most cars are base coat (water base) clear coat (solvent based) these days.

Just trying to eliminate any possible problems..

I like Mirka Gold. I find it to be similar to the 3M

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Steve Smith
"Music is what feelings sound like"

Would someone with a little insight mind addressing sterates a bit? Are they all bad?, which brands are safe?, etc.?

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......

I have used Norton 3X on the past 30 or so guitars and have never seen any finishing problems though their website says that it has "waterbased stearate (anti-clog) coating". After level sanding I always wipe all surfaces with a cloth dampened in clean, filtered water between coats so maybe that helps. I really like the product, though.

Chuck

I've been using Abranet on my 6" ROS with dust port/vacuum for sanding prior to fill/finish. Works a treat! Still flatten/polish the top finish coat by hand though.

Dave F.

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Cambrian Guitars

"There goes Mister Tic-Tac out the back with some bric-brac from the knick-knack rack"

FYI, I called Carborundum and asked about the sterate used on their Premier Red Dry Lube paper. The gentleman I spoke with contacted the product manager and he stated the sterate they currently use is compatible with solvent and water-based finishes. He specifically stated it is compatible with lacquer finish.

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Formerly known as Adaboy.......