So the first in my favourite tools around the garage. I've got to thank grumpynorthener for putting me in touch with this one.
A is for Abranet It is a kind of sandpaper, but instead of paper is a mesh. It is a bit more expensive than regular sandpaper, but it lasts very well. Sanding body filler is one of the worst jobs in car restoration, so anything that makes it easier/better/quicker is money well spent.
I've got a selection of grits. I use 80 on the big DA for doing the initial profiling. Then I switch to the long block wherever possible.
120, 180 and 320 grits cover most things I've come across
Here are some of my basic filler sanding tools. I've still got some stocks of yellow and green sandpaper for use on the short and long blocks, when that is used up it will be Abranet all the way
One of the great things about Abranet, is it is quite stiff, so rolled up and used without a block, it is pretty good at getting into tricky areas. Trust me it is worth a try.
Post by grumpynorthener on Sept 9, 2020 19:54:42 GMT
Excellent choice of 'A' may I say Mr Moglite
There is vast range of discs / strips / blocks / sanders that utilises Abranet
Hooked to vacuum system the vast majority of the dust ends up in dust bag hence creating a far better work environment - what's more with the suction air traveling trough the abrasive it's kept cool so far less clogging of the abrasive with sanded material due to heat friction
Just some of me weapons of choice
Its retained on a velcro hook type system so readily changeable from the pad / sander
And believe me when you have every single panel on a car to sand back by hand due the panel curvatures - you need all the help that you can get
I also picked up the info about Abranet etc off GN, along with details off his recommendations for using 'dustless' sanding equipment. Looking at the cost of the professional Mirka system and not wanting to pay that sort of money (I am a born again cheapskate), no second-hand units available (I now know why!!), I looked at what was available for the more amateur market. A trip to the resto show at the NEC 2019, provided me with the flat hand sander, dust extraction tube and a selection if unbranded sanding mesh sheets (don't buy the unbranded, get the Mirka), along with a visit to a very interesting character on the Jowett stand (strange accent, could be foreign??). Fleabay provided me with a Makita DA sander, variable speed 150mm discs and finally Lidl supplied a superb dry/wet stainless steel vacuum to which the DA power lead plugs into and turns on the vac when you activate the sander. Total cost exc sanding sheets sub £180. I have found this to work a treat, and is a very useful investment. Thanks Chris