General purpose abrasive

[HDClown]

I'm new to Festool, have just picked up a used RO150 and I need to get some abrasives.  I'm also thinking about adding an RTS400 and hand sanding blocks that would use the same RTS400 sized paper, and I'd suspect an ETS 150/3 at some point.

I need paper to sand new bare wood in prep for paint or stain, as well as infrequent needs for stripping of pre-existing stained or painted wood. 

My use is hobbyist and it's currently not very frequent (I'm looking to get more into woodworking though, just need to find some useful projects) so I don't need a lot of paper, so I'm looking at the 10x packs from Bob Mason and the Granat assortment packs from Tool Home.

I'm leaning towards the Granat assortment from Tool Home because it gives me a wide selection at the lowest cost.  I've read nothing but praise about Granat as a "does it all" paper.  Would there be any reason I find myself disappointed in going all-in with Granat only, or do you think going with the Tool Home Granat pack is the best way to start?

 

[AlexThePalex]

Granat is indeed a great all-round paper. I don't think you're going to be disappointed with it. The packages Tom from Tool-Home offers are a nice and economical way to get a starter pack. 

 

[Locks14]

Personally I find the Abranet mesh abrasives from Mirka much better than any of the Festool discs, or Dewalt's equivalent which I think is actually the same stuff as made for/by Mirka.

 

[Cheese]

Personally I find the Abranet mesh abrasives from Mirka much better than any of the Festool discs, or Dewalt's equivalent which I think is actually the same stuff as made for/by Mirka.

That's interesting, I used Abranet on a RO 125 & an ETS 125 and I thought it wore out alot sooner than Granat. What tool are you using the Abranet with?

 

[Locks14]

Personally I find the Abranet mesh abrasives from Mirka much better than any of the Festool discs, or Dewalt's equivalent which I think is actually the same stuff as made for/by Mirka.

That's interesting, I used Abranet on a RO 125 & an ETS 125 and I thought it wore out alot sooner than Granat. What tool are you using the Abranet with?

Primarily my Bosch GEX 125-150. I find they last longer, collect dust better and leave less swirls due to their structure vs. traditional abrasives.

 

[Kev]

I've played with various mesh offerings. My local Festool premium shop is also an abrasives specialist. Granat is still my all rounder choice.

 

[avrs22]

For me its Abranet from 120 - 400 and granit from 100-40