Thread: help with polishing scales

I found 1500 and 2000 grit at home depot. Surprising because the most I found there every other time I think was 600.
I really like the micro-mesh sand paper. But it's hella expensive. But even still it lasts a long time if you're gentle with it. The material backing helps to give a good rounded look on edges because it forms to your fingers..
Also tested a whole range of materials to put behind various sand papers. Cheap round sponges or the standard rectangular ones bent in half.. just an example. Helped me with the inner curves coupled with changing the direction of sanding..

Was the 1500 and 2000 found in full sheets?Sounds good will give it a try and see what I can find----thanks

I found the sheets in 3 2/3" x 9" packs. They were 800, 1000, 1500, and 2000.
Lately I've been trying to find a cheap place to buy micro-mesh sandpaper. The ones I bought a while back are fairly worn out, was using them today and was just thinking about how much I like them. When I bought them I was thinking "what the hell!!! That's expensive" but now after using them and using them more, and still they are working, I think it's worth it.
Anyway, I've been really letting everything get in the way of my next project, so tomorrow I'm working on it all day! Will try to get pictures of the process too, always forget that..

By the way I tried posting pictures without any luck ---got to the attachment part clicked on it ,that's as far as I got
The 3M 3x9" only went to 800 and stopped at lowe'sSo far the 600----800 working great,will try home depot next.

As far as sourcing sandpaper locally, I have had much better luck looking in auto part stores for higher grit range w/d sandpaper than the big box hardware stores.

Originally Posted by semperfi6141

well going through 52 razors create a large supply of scales to work on,you name it and I probably have it.As far as I know wooden and bone handles are the tough ones.HOOK 'EM HORNS

So, the wooden and bone scales are the ones you are asking about polishing??

I'm working on a set of horn and CA glue finished wood scales. I ordered a set of micromesh pads and they worked great. If I had gotten all the imperfection out beforehand with a lower grit, the final finish would be like glass.

Try an Auto parts store, they usually have 1-4k. I also have bought 800-6k half sheets pack at Wall Mart, in a locked cabinet, in Automotive Dept. A good Ace Hardware has full sheets, up to 2k in stock. Ace also carries Crocus Cloth for a Satin finish. Not all Ace stores stock the same stuff.

The higher grits and Micro Mesh last a long time, I buy Micro Mesh in pads and paper locally, from Hobby Lobby.

great never heard of this stuff its a time saver

Walmart has an auto body repair section with every kind of grit up to 3k trizact for CHEAP

Just a simple caution, Wash the wet dry paper before use. Not very hard but to remove other grits and loose grit. A little bit of cheap disk soap make for easy sanding. On steel, rinse well and oil after sanding and final sand with a thin oil.
~Richard