Whats your favorite abrasive for metals?

I have a couple of projects in the planning stage and they are going to require a bit of hand smoothing/polishing. I don't have power tools for this. In the past I have used whatever silicon carbide paper the local hardware/auto store has on hand but they seem to wear out quickly. This got me wondering if there are better options.

What do you use/like?

Any comments about abrasive type, backing type?

My first thought was to buy a couple of 2"x72" belts made for knife grinding and cut them up. The grit lasts forever compared to the paper I have been using but maybe it cuts slower too??

No doubt the collective experience knows more than me!

Bennypapa

I use a good file and then emory paper. Have you ever used emory paper? It works really good. It comes in different grits just like sand paper.

I like to use Wet-or-Dry paper, after filing, and then finish with very fine Crocus cloth, all backed with hardwood or a file, etc.

Use elbow grease. Works wonders. :haha:

No, really, cutting up those belts works great. Then go for the wet/dry. You can usually find up to 1500 grit. The stuff made in Finland is more uniform than the US made.

Something I learned not too long ago... if you switch to a finer grit, and find scratches deeper than the previous grit made, go back to the coarser stuff. Otherwise you are wasting your time and paper. I know! It makes sense now, but how many people really know it? :redface:

I'd agree with the wet and dry school of thought. I go progressively finer right down to 2400 grit then finish with something like Autosol spread on the inside of a cornflakes packet. That's if I want a mirror finish like on the cutting edge of my wood carving tools. Autosol is the paste used to polish chrome on cars. You can also use toothpaste to get a mirror finish. If you just want a satin finish, stop at 1200 grit.

Eric