Definitely not a sanding expert (guilty of not progressing through all grits fully and other violations), but I'm very happy with this product. I had a box top (walnut with some pretty grain) with the typical drum sander lines. I started with the 80 grit and WOW - the lines were fading and basically gone. Progressed through 80 to 120 to 180. Held up to the light so see faint line so repeated 120 and 180 and its good! Very happy with the product. I'm a fan of Starbond and their customer service (got CA glue from them), and this is one more product I would recommend. I like the "variety pack" as it provides me with all the levels so I don't have an excuse to take a shortcut.
It would be interesting to know the makeup for the abrasive, looks a lot like the 3M "Cubitron". With other discs like the blue Granate (Fesstool) and others, removing drum sander lines us usually a chore even after I DS sand up to 220. The purple (lilac?) discs really make quick work of removing the lines and let me get to a finished surface.
Thanks for the review BB1... all/any review, allbeit applicable, help to diversify our product knowledge base, especially if we otherwise don't get exposed to.
Unfortunately as soon as I saw the "unholey" picture, I was turned away from further inspiration by the disc... but that's just me.
I have a menagerie of sanders (Fe$tool, MIrka, Makita, Ryobi) all with different dust extraction configurations on their respective bases... and to me, lining up the holes for efficient extraction is a pain... especially the Mirka, when I forget to turn off the power, upend it and place it on my workbench to align the holes... instant manicure.
I am an Abranet junkie. They may be a tad more expensive and "brittle" (subject to easy tear when caught on a sharpish edge), I am now prepared to sacrifice those extra shekels, sacrifice some cutting power and shorter life for the align convenience (no need to align) and better dust collection.
Nevertheless, if the sanders' configuration syncs with the discs, I can see the benefit of the "self-sharpening" concept and should attract many users.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
BB1 and Splinter, it's good to hear (for others) that they have the "many more holes" option. For those that don't mind hole alignment, that tad more lastability and frugality (don't we all), they seem like a great solution.
Since discovering Abranet, I could never revert to holey discs, especially after taking someones suggestion on these Mirka discs, Great discs, but bugga to align... no, not hard, but when you didn't need to in the past, it becomes a bugga.
As can be seen, it doesn't take much to catch an Abranet, if you look closely at the perimeters, however, with a bit more care and cleaning with those rubber (desert boot sole's) sticks, they can be coerced into lasting much longer... as all other type of discs. The sticks are not reserved for belt/drum sanders.
I did get sucked into getting some 3M Xtract mesh discs which are reputed to be not as "brittle" as Abranet, Have tried and seem to be more durable, however, I've a bucketload of Abranet to use up first, and with my new more care and clean regime, they may outlast the wait time for switching to the 3M.
Probably should do a review of the Abranet. Sorry BB1, again I have been guilty of deflecting from the OP.
If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD
LBD- no worries. I like learning about other options. My experience is limited to pretty much big box store options so these Starbond were a major step up.
