Thread: Quickstart handsanding kits?

Are there such things? I figure a lot of us non-meisters are curious to dabble in restoration and who hasn't seen a blade on the 'bay that made them think for a second, "that'd clean up nice".

So I read the handsanding howto here and thought to myself how great it would be if I could just buy a kit; its just 10 different grits of sandpaper and from my brief discussion with several restorers, it could bring down your restoration cost significantly...that and I don't want to buy 40 sheets of sandpaper from homedepot when I'm not even sure I'll enjoy the process...

I'm envisioning a bunch of sandpaper in a baggy; a one-off handsanding kit.

Am I insane? or have I forgotten something? or am I on to something...?

Hmmmm Sounds just like my sandpaper box all pre cut sheets in separate zip-lock baggies all marked neatly and in order from 80-2000

I did mention somewhere on here I have a slight case of OCD right????


I see what you're saying though a 4 sheet pack of one grit runs $3.99-$5.99 so by the time you get 10 packs you are at $40-60.... and buying the combo packs basically sucks because they give you 2/220 1/320 and 1/400 so you would still be spending a ton

Most hardware stores sell in single sheets. That is the way that I go. It is just easier and cheaper.

Autozone sells a 4 pack for around $5 of 3M wet/dry that contains 220, 400, 800, and 1000, IIRC. I can double check exactly what it comes with when I get home. Not a bad "starter kit". Add some 2000 grit (also at autozone for ~$5) and some MAAS (walgreens, around $5) and you can get a pretty good mirror shine. I'm just having trouble removing pitting with the 220. I'm going to try lower grit and see what happens.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Hmmmm Sounds just like my sandpaper box all pre cut sheets in separate zip-lock baggies all marked neatly and in order from 80-2000

I did mention somewhere on here I have a slight case of OCD right????


I see what you're saying though a 4 sheet pack of one grit runs $3.99-$5.99 so by the time you get 10 packs you are at $40-60.... and buying the combo packs basically sucks because they give you 2/220 1/320 and 1/400 so you would still be spending a ton

care to sell a pack?

Originally Posted by pjrage

Autozone sells a 4 pack for around $5 of 3M wet/dry that contains 220, 400, 800, and 1000, IIRC. I can double check exactly what it comes with when I get home. Not a bad "starter kit". Add some 2000 grit (also at autozone for ~$5) and some MAAS (walgreens, around $5) and you can get a pretty good mirror shine. I'm just having trouble removing pitting with the 220. I'm going to try lower grit and see what happens.

I've been wondering whether ebay would be a good place to get sandpaper for cheap...

Originally Posted by Ichinichi

I've been wondering whether ebay would be a good place to get sandpaper for cheap...

I haven't looked there, but that 4 pack from autozone gets the job done for me. The 4 sheets will last pretty well, and it's only 5 bucks. Add in another $10 for MAAS and 2000 grit and you're ready to roll for $15 and you can get it asap locally. You may want to add in some extra intermediate grits, but that's up to you.

I guess if you plan to sand lots of razors you might want to get a better deal on the paper.

To give you an idea, I've used about half of each of the 4 sheets, and it got me through 4 razors I think. Some needed more work than others. I'd say it's safe to say that you can get 5-10 razors per 4 pack (220/400/800/1000) depending on how bad they are and how wasteful of the paper you are.

We've got an old style hardware store here in town that has good wet/dry ranging from 180 to 1500 for $0.99 a sheet. I polished up from there to my own satisfaction, but if I were trying for perfection I'd likely have to seek higher grits. I'll be looking around for some soon. I'll see what I find.

cool, we have hardware stores here too...i've never understood the niche they occupy since i can just as easily go to home depot or walmart...

Small hardware stores are the best places to find stuff that those big box "hardware" stores do not sell.

I have two Ace Hardware stores near me. One sells stuff like screen and small bits of metal tube. Can't find that anywhere else. They also sell cork and other odd bits.

The other sells everything dremel. Even off brand dremel stuff. They also sell sandpaper for $.99 a sheet. They also have the largest plumbing department anywhere with a better and more comprehensive shelf stock. And if you need a bolt, screw, washer, or any other type of fastener. They will have it or be able to get it.

Patronize your local small hardware shops. These guys know what they are selling and can help with your project.