3 M Finishing Pads

[Merle Rice]

This is not a new but it is to me . I got the Pads today to see if I could clean up the Eagle without removing the Detailing , and Boy did I get a Surprise . Worked like a Charm . I took a Large Washer and cut around it to make the Pads . I used 2 Pads , 1 is to flimsy . I used the shaft from the 1/2 " Sanding Drum , the screw type wasn't tight enough . For a couple of Bucks you can't go wrong . Merle IMG_0010.JPG

[Randy]

Use them too Merle. They work well. You can get a variety grit .

[RayV]

Thanks for the tip Merle. I will have to try them.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Randy , do you use them with Power or by Hand or both? I used those little Star Disks but you can wipe them out in Seconds if you use the wrong Speed and they are not cheep and don't need them any more . Merle

[Merle Rice]

Hi Ray , I don't think you will be sorry. Merle

[Randy]

Hi Randy , do you use them with Power or by Hand or both? I used those little Star Disks but you can wipe them out in Seconds if you use the wrong Speed and they are not cheep and don't need them any more . Merle

I use them both ways also. I cut a a rectangle from the pad 11/4”x21/2”. I fold it in half with a small piece of double sided tape in the center of one side of the fold to hold it together, I make a hole in the center of the fold with a small nail and pass the screw of the mandrel used for the dermal cutting disc through the hole. Trim the pad in a circle. If it slips on the mandrel I put a small piece of duck tape with a hole on the top of the pad and screw it down. Under 1000 rpms it seem to last for two or three toppers .

[Merle Rice]

Hi Randy , That's my go to Finisher from now on . I also found that Doubling is the way to go . Merle

[Eddy-Smiles]

I've been using them for years. First got the idea from a visit to Smoky Mountain Woodcarvers many, many, moons ago. I prefer the brown or gray 3M pads. I've found that if you're not careful the green and red will stain your project.

[Dileon]

Will have to try these pads.....have not been thrilled with their
sticky sandpaper so have not looked at their products in a while..

[Merle Rice]

Hi Di , you might get a Surprise , I sure did. Merle

[Bob K.]

I use them too but in a courser grit. I have the maroon and green pads. I buy them by the box on Amazon. The green are more course than the maroon...I wish they would tell you what grit they are. I use a Dremel with a 1/8" mandrel don't cut the pads round. I just cut mine into 1" squares...they round themselves off as you use them. The only problem I find, and it may not happen with the finer grits, but the pads tend to leave very tiny fibers stuck here and there to the carving which I have to pick off.

[Merle Rice]

Hi Bob , Maybe cutting the Pads round first might stop the Fibers from sticking in the Wood , no Corners sticking out. Just a thought . I use the same Mandrill . I'm not to good with posting Messages . Did you get the Eagle Pattern ? Merle

[Nomad]

I use them too but in a courser grit. I have the maroon and green pads. I buy them by the box on Amazon. The green are more course than the maroon...I wish they would tell you what grit they are. I use a Dremel with a 1/8" mandrel don't cut the pads round. I just cut mine into 1" squares...they round themselves off as you use them. The only problem I find, and it may not happen with the finer grits, but the pads tend to leave very tiny fibers stuck here and there to the carving which I have to pick off.

This is what I found for grits:
SCOTCHBRITE GRIT CHART
3M Scotch Brite Nylon Pads:
7445 - White pad, called Light Duty Cleansing - (1000) 1200-1500 grit
7448 - Light Grey, called Ultra Fine Hand - (600-800) 800 grit.
6448 - Green (?), called Light Duty Hand Pad - (600) 600 grit
7447 - Maroon pad, called General Purpose Hand - (320-400) 320 grit
6444 - Brown pad, called Extra Duty Hand - (280-320) 240 grit
7446 - Dark Grey pad, called Blending Pad (180-220) 150 grit
7440 - Tan pad, called Heavy Duty Hand Pad - (120-150) 60(?)
Green Scotch Brite is available EVERYWHERE. It's 600 grit.
Blue Scotch-Brite is considered to be about 1000 grit.
(The value inside the parentheses is directly from 3M.)
3M Chart
Less Aggressive --------> More Aggressive
7445 7448 6448 7447 6444 7446 7440
Finer Finish --------> Coarser Finish

[Bob K.]

Thanks Terry! Helpful information.