Thread: Micro-mesh pads?

Quick question, what is the deal with these? Are they simply sanding pads with a soft backing. If so, wouldn't you go through them very quickly? Or, are they washable, re-useable? Comments? thx - John

Originally Posted by Namdnas

Quick question, what is the deal with these? Are they simply sanding pads with a soft backing.

No... there's more to it.

If so, wouldn't you go through them very quickly? Or, are they washable, re-useable?

yes. [Here] is everything you ever wanted to know and more...

I like the micro mesh sanding pads. Yes, they are washable and do last for a long time.

http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares...oduct&ID=81601



I also like the Mirka Abralon pads. The Abralon pads work well for small projects when cut up and used by hand.

http://www.homesteadfinishing.com/ht...abrasives2.htm

Charlie

OK, just so I am clear on this. Would these last longer than a few sheets of normal wet/dry paper for any particular grit? If so, why? Is it the way the abrasive is attached to the substrate, etc... Is it because you can 'wash' the sanded material out of the mesh? thx - John

To add to John's question, which is preferred for straight razor use, the MX or the AO?

Matt

I do not know why the micro mesh abrasives last a long time but they do.

I think of them in conjunction with sand paper not in place of. I use sand paper up to about 800 or a 1000 grit then switch to stepping through the grits of micro mesh till the level of gloss that I am going after is achieved.

This applies to finishing scales not polishing blades, I use silicon carbide wet/dry on metal till 1000 then use maas polish. But then again my blades do not look nearly as nice as some on this site.

Charlie

thanks, this makes more sense now that you mention it is for your scales only. - John

As I understand it, micro-mesh is preferred for some jobs over sandpapers because of it's fine and uniform scratch pattern and flexibility in abrading irregular surfaces. Here's a snippet from http://www.sculpt.com/catalog_98/abr.../micromesh.htm :

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• Micro-Mesh Cushioned Abrasives - Micromesh Cushioned Abrasives were originally developed for the aircraft industry to remove scratches from aircraft windows. However this unique product will finish or restore a wide range of materials including plastic, metal, wood and painted surfaces to high gloss, "see-through" finish. There are 9 grades of Micromesh materials from 1500 to 12000. Start with the 1500 and polish all the way through the series to 12000. You may find that some surfaces (especially those with deep scratches) will require the entire series of material to achieve the finish you want.

• What is a "Cushioned" Abrasive? - A cushioned abrasive is a cloth backed material with a resilient layer of latex upon which a layer of abrasive crystals are glue bonded. Cushioned abrasives are made in such a manner that the crystals are held in a resilient matrix as opposed to a hard resin, which will allow the crystal to recede when subjected to contact pressure. In the case of Micro-Mesh products, there is a cloth backing upon which a latex film is placed. Then various sizes of silicon carbide crystals are adhered onto the film.

What is unique about cushioned abrasives is that they do not give any random deep scratches. Instead, they produce an extremely uniform scratch pattern over the entire work surface. When contact pressure is applied, the crystals recede and rotate slightly to present their sharp edges evenly across the surface. The abrasive crystals all cut together with a fine planing action. Because the crystals can move back into the cushion a much larger crystal can be used to achieve a very fine uniform scratch pattern. The larger crystals and the flexible glue bond result in a longer lasting material. Cushioned abrasive products like Micro-Mesh have an extremely long life since the crystals are not subject to fracture or overheating. The crystals continue to cut effectively until they eventually become dull and lose their cutting edge.

• Use Wet or Dry - Micro-Mesh may be used wet or dry and after you're done, it can be washed out and used again. Every sheet has the grit written on its reverse side - the higher the grit number, the finer the cutting action. The variety of grits permit the restoration of most surfaces to a mirror finish. Micro-Mesh may cost more than ordinary sandpaper, but it produces finishes 10 to 20 times finer.

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Most excellent. I'm going to see if I can pick up a set at my local hobby shop. Shipping would be as much as a set. thx - John

Micro-Mesh kicks ass. I love it for guitar work. I'd wonder if the "squishiness" might be a problem for stropping though.