Sanding Discs, An Accidental Review.

[gee-dub]

I don't do a lot of power sanding. This means I pick up what I read is the "best" abrasive when I happen to see a deal on it. We all have different experiences and certainly someone who does more of this will have a larger data sample than I have. I wanted to share my experience since I appreciate it so much when others do. It gives us all a little more info to make decisions off of.

I do use your typical cloth, paper, and film backed discs. Generally from Kilingspor with good result for that type of sanding. When you require better dust collection or a more flexible backing . . . here's my experience:



On the left, the 3M Cubitron tends to have the hook and loop material fail way before the abrasive has been consumed. The abrasive works well but you do not get your money's worth based on the premium price.
Second from the left, the 3M Xtract is far superior in being able to use the disc to exhaustion. I would buy this anytime I found a good deal. It is a very usable product.
The two on the right are Mirka Abranet. I show two because the one on the extreme right is nearly shredded and the backing was hard to read. Even in this condition it still hangs on well and is somewhat usable.

For me the Abranet is the clear winner in dust collection, durability of the hook/loop material, usable life, and flexibility. If you figure the abrasives usable life versus the cost per disc they make more sense.  Just one woodworker's opinion.

[Von]

I've used both the 3M products happily and haven't see the difference between the two with regards to the hook and loop you mention, but way too many variables for me to even guess why. I also use the Cubitron sheets for hand sanding. Agree about the Xtract and dust collection - it was my goto for removing old finish. Both are amazingly better than the cheapo stuff I had been using.

I have not tried the Mirka but will next time I get the chance based on your review.

[Coop]

I too like the 3M Xtract with my only experience being with the 150 grit. I will be replacing my finer overpriced Festool discs with the 3M as I deplete the stock. 

[roughsawn]

Xtract is a game changer. I do 1/2 the sanding I used to before I switched.

[Tom King]

I feel like 3M is a company that I can always depend on.  I use quite a number of different 3M products and have never been anything but completely pleased with any of them, not only in woodworking but also marine and automotive plus even golf.

[curlyoak]

I like this one from Klingspor.

https://www.klingspor.com/PS21-80-Grit-F-5-X-8-Holes-Kling-On-Disc-75940 

[gee-dub]

@curlyoak - I have a bunch of those.  They are great.  They are my "Ford F-150", "Vaughn Framing Hammer" abrasive.  Solid quality, reliable, long lasting consistent scratch pattern . . . AND . . . they go on sale about once a year at a price good enough for me to buy in a quantity that last until the next sale ;-)

To me abrasives are a lot like other 'cutters'.  There is price and there is cost.  Some things I like a 'cheaper version' of.  Sandpaper and saw blades; not so much. 

[Chestnut]

Where do you get the Xtract discs? Based on the comments here I'm using the wrong sanding discs.

[gee-dub]

@Chestnut - I don't know about the "wrong" stuff but the obvious difference when you find the one that works for you is noticeable.  I buy abrasives wherever happens to have the best deal at the time.  The last batch of 6" Xtract I picked up was at Amazon amazingly enough.  I usually draw the line at 50 cents each but prefer less .  There are often promotional packs of different grits for a good price if you are connected to any of the usual suppliers via email.