Thread: Anyone use 3M Micro Abrasive Sheets?

I've used these sheets and I like them better for my woodworking tools than I do for straight razors. I use them on a piece of float glass. To me they're a bit messy and I don't get as fine an edge as I do with a razor hone (on a straight razor). Try one of the belgian coticules on your straight razor and also on your woodworking tools. I guarantee you will be delightfully surprised! I have a number of customers who make violins, guitars, lutes, dulcimers, etc. (to me that's the ultimate in woodworking) and they love their coticules. They often buy the odd-shaped bout stones and wear specifically shaped grooves for gouges. The bout is also good for plane blades and at $55 they're a good buy.

Originally Posted by Howard

I have a number of customers who make violins, guitars, lutes, dulcimers, etc. (to me that's the ultimate in woodworking) and they love their coticules.

I would have to agree. With a fair amount of a carpentry background, my farther is a carpenter and I worked with him for close to 7 years, instrument making is probably the most technical you can get with wood. Not saying that there aren't other, just as difficult areas of woodcraft, but instruments just take so much into consideration. One must not only be an expert on wood, quite literally, but must also be an expert on acoustics and how sound works. I still think of it more as an art than a science, but a great deal of knowledge must be acquired before one can even consider thinking about making an instrument. I can see why your customers would love their coticules.

Matt

I sometimes use regular wet-dry sandpaper to start an edge, but I find that the paper has some give to it that ever so slightly rounds the bevel. It takes some work on the stones to flatten that rounding out so I can work up through the grits. (Other members don't have this problem so it could just be my honing technique...)

If you could stick with papers through the final polish that might work better.

Just my two cents,
Josh