grit for drywall

[MrMac]

I am fixing up a basement suite for a client, and have repaired several large holes in the drywall. Ok, the new drywall is on, and mudded. Then I started sanding - way too much work! so I called my Festool dealer and asked can I use my 150 with my ct26 for this? yup. I was surprised! drywall dust is known to kill all  sorts of power tools.

I forgot to ask him though (and its 5:30 A.M. here so I can't call him right now) what grit would you use? I was thinking of 180. I rarely do any drywall so I'm not sure of what's the right grit for this process.

thx!

 

[Kev]

Depends a bit but I'd run anything from 80 (if it's a rough fill) through to 150+ ... Whats your surface like?

For me, 180 would be the extreme end.

 

[dicktill]

I've had good luck on sheet rock mud with P120 Brilliant 2 on an ETS 150/5 and a DTS 400. I used a CT 26 on a low-moderate setting with the ETS, and lowest setting with the DTS.

Good luck, Dick

Oh, and I run the sanders at 3-4.

 

[Holzhacker]

I used to use 100 - 120 with regular or hand sanders. Since using the ets 125 I've gone to 150 or 180, same on the dts
Unless you are supremely good you may not be happy with the results at first. Using either takes a little getting used to so that you don't gouge the wall. Once you get the hang of it, using either machine makes for fast, nice wall surfaces.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I mostly use 120 with drywall, but if it's very rough I use 80, and if it only needs a slight touch I use 180.

I prefer Granat over any other type of paper, because it doesn't clog very quickly so I can use it the longest.

 

[Saskataper]

depends on what mud you are using, the hardness varies quite a bit by region, seeing as your a fellow canuck I'm assuming your using synko or pro-rock lite finish or lite all purpose. I just bought a DTS for sanding angles and other spots my planex wont get too and the only paper in town was 320 brilliant and it did the trick ill likely pick up some 220 when it comes in. If your using setting type compounds they are harder so 150 should be good.

 

[MrMac]

Well on my way into the city today I stopped at my Festool dealer. he sold me some mirca 220 grit, and some backing pads for the 150. $250 bucks later I was on the road again

There is a two blade deal for my kapex, $220 for both. I couldn't resist.