Woodturning Sandpaper

[Travis]

I've been thinking of getting the rolls of sandpaper for pen turning like this one: http://www.pennstateind.com/store/PKSPSET5.html

 

Sure looks convenient. But once you figure in shipping, it's pretty expensive. What's the difference between this and the paper backed sandpaper you can buy at any hardware store? Does the cloth backing really make a difference? Or am I better off saving my money and buying regular sandpaper and cut 1" strips?

[Clayton717]

I have this and don't use it much. there is really no difference between this and other cloth backed paper. its handy being on rolls, you can rip off just what you need. if you have a harbor freight near you they sell a 4 roll pack.

[Dan]

I tried it also and gave it up. I'm just about done with the 400 grit. I find it a lot cheaper to buy the sheets. I cut them into little rectangles about 1" by 1.5". Cost is a few pennies per pen and a package of grades 220, 300, 400, and 600 lasts a long, long time.

[Travis]

Does it make a difference being cloth-backed or paper backed?

[Clayton717]

Does it make a difference being cloth-backed or paper backed?

 

no it doesn't. I always have small pieces of paper backed sandpaper laying around and have used that many times. I thinks its actually easier to use because you can get it to flex/bend more for tight area if needed, like tight/small spots on my bottle stoppers.

[WolfmoonCT]

I got my cloth backed rolls from Klingspor when they had a big sale of it.. http://www.woodworkingshop.com/category.aspx?id=22&f1=1+++X+50+MT

 

May seem more expensive, at like $20 a roll, but it's 50 yards compared to feet.. the PSI stuff is only 20ft per roll.. I got it when they had some holiday sale last year for like $7 a roll.. picked up 2x150grit, 1x220grit, 1x320grit, 1x400grit, and 1x600grit.

 

Seems to work good to me.