So it hit me today as I was making another failed attempt to make lams (sled issues this time), is 180 grit too fine for a good gluing surface. It doesn't sound all that fine but it sure does feel smooth.
pretty sure most guys grind lams between 40 grit and up to 80 grit.
Yep I like 50 for most lams, too coarse and you can see the sanding marks but want rough enough to get the glue a good bite .
I like 60...
i have used 120 in the past, cos thats all i had- but will go to a 60 in the future.
the 120 worked fine- never had a delamination...... yet
QuoteOriginally posted by fujimo:
i have used 120 in the past, cos thats all i had- but will go to a 60 in the future.
the 120 worked fine- never had a delamination...... yet
120g is what smooth-on recommends-
-i use 60g
I've always used 60 grit with no problems. Then it already has a rough enough surface and I don't need to toothing plane it for a better gluing surface.
I wouldn't use any thing finer than 60 grit, I myself, usually use 40 grit on my drum sander.
I think most of the glass you get the glue side is 80 grit. Seems to do just fine. Smooth on does say 120 so I think 120 to 60 60 myself.
40 or 50 for me
Whatever Super Grit "coarse" is. :confused:
I don't grind very many. Results are not up to snuff yet.
Thanks all. I have some 60 and 80 grit on it's way. Until then I guess I will just have to look at all this birdseye and curly maple and think about it.
I am still sitting on some amazing bocote I got from KennyM but I want to get more experience under my belt before attacking that.
To be honest you could probably get away with any grit.
Modern epoxies are superb at 'wetting' the surfaces and have no need for 'roughed up' surfaces. Check out a 'smooth' piece of wood under a microscope....!
I use 60grit as sharp 60 will remove material quickly without burning issues.
60 grit for me on everything unless it needs to be stained or dyed. Maple is a little different in that it shows just about every little sanding line. I use 80 on that.
120 if it gets dyed. The dying itself will open the pores a bit though and help it absorb more I suppose. It may not matter, but it has been working.
BigJim
Thank you Jim, I have a fair bit of maple I am going to be working with to start and I will remember this.