Abranet Sanding Discs from Mirka Abrasives
By Rick Reimundez
Mirka Abrasives offers a revolutionary solution to the long-standing problem of woodworking dust inhalation: their Abranet sanding discs look like a sanding screen, but the abrasive particles are arranged in a row formation. This means that dust is never more than half-a-milimeter from an opening through which dust collector can extract it — and prevent it from entering the air. As a side bonus, Mirka says the discs also last three to five times as long as standard abrasives.
They claim the discs also prevent piling — when clumps of wood dust collect in one place and introduce defects into your sanded surface — and that the discs work well for everything from auto body to metalworking and woodworking applications.
But there’s one drawback: Abranet’s uniquely-shaped abrasives also makes it easy to “catch an edge” with the disc, which can instantly tear and ruin the sheet. To remedy that, Mirka offers an “interface pad” — essentially a 1/2″ thick foam pad that adds some “give” and flexibility to the sanding surface. The interface pad also simplifies curved sanding, like sanding the inside of cove moldings.
You’ll pay a premium for Mirka’s miracle discs, but if they deliver the promised longer life it’s a wash. Of course, considering the ill effects of inhaling sanding dust and other airborne particulates, the life you save through better dust collection could be your own. Street pricing starts around $30 for a pack of 50 5” discs, but you can source them in smaller packs from numerous retailers. The abrasive is available in rolls and sheets as well.
You’ll pay an additional $14 for a 5″ interface pad, and Mirka alsos sell a pad protector, which they claim helps protect the sanding pad from excessive wear. (Though we’ve heard conflicting reports about the effectiveness of those.) If you want to give ‘em a shot, they run around $17 for a two pack (5”).
Abranet [Mirka]
Street Prices [Google Products]
Via Amazon
June 17th, 2008 at 5:08 am
Dear Sir,
HG Tools was established in 1976. We specialize in making
all kinds of abrasive coated products, such as abrasive
cloths in sheet, disc and rolls. In 2007, company
innovation “Abrasive Mesh to replace tradition abrasive
paper”. This product can use in automotive, composite,
wood, metal, DIY industry. Its characteristic use in dry
or wet, evacuates dust, reduce heat, cutting sharp, 6 times
longer than tradition abrasive paper. Cordially invite you
to join us in the future.
1. Specification/Feature:
. Size: 3″ ~ 14″/disc, 9″ x 11″/sheet, 1-1/2″ x 5 yards,
10 yards, 25 yards, 100 yards, 250 yards/per roll, any
sizes are available!
. Grain: aluminum oxide, silicon carbide
. Grit No.: 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 240, 320, 400,
600, 1000
2. Application: there are the features of non-chip,
waterproof and both sides can grind expect it has own
the function of abrasive cloth.
3. Purpose: automotive, wood industries, metal industries,
as well as on composite materials.
we look forward to your faborable reply.
best regards,
–
Marco Lai
Director of sales
H.G TOOLS CO.LTD