New Sandpapers vs festool

[jamanjeval]

I ran across a video on YouTube, “Largest Sandpaper Test EVER Done - Top 19 brands Tested using Robots for Unbiased Data” by Johnathan Katz-Moses, where they tested different brands and types of sandpapers, including Festool. The top spot went to 3M Xtract. Festool garnet made a good show considering it is an older formulation but still was not at all close to the 3M.

What has your experience been with using other brands/styles of sandpaper? I do a lot of remodeling/old work and I’m intrigued by the mesh style papers, especially the 3M Xtract. I mostly use the coarser grits and the festool garnet has proven to be super solid. However, all those large holes inevitably get caught on something like a hidden nail or a splinter of wood and tear it. My sanders are the rotex ro 150 and 90.

* The link to the video is previewing properly, but just shows up as blank space in the post. it's at youtu.be/NZDCRFi8dKY

the video

 

[afish]

The 3m film backed cubitron is the toughest, most durable least clogging disc IMO.  However the dust collection does suffer a bit since the hole pattern doesnt line up on the 5" very well.  Its better on the 6" I tried the 3m mesh and wile the dust extraction is better it suffers from the same issue as most of the mesh discs and thats durability. Especially around edges so nails will be a big problem still.  Its nice stuff but prefer the granat over the mesh but the film backed stuff blows them all away.  Just be careful if the edge of the discs hits you while the sander is spinning it will cut you like a scalpel.  Its my favorite discs by far. 

 

[squall_line]

Originally posted here:https://www.festoolownersgroup.com/...ron-with-festool-sanders/msg650595/#msg650595 , with additional discussion.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

You might not find too many alternatives for your RO90.  The only brand I have come across to fit it, other than Festool, is Klingspor. They have the correct hole pattern as well as the 90mm diameter.
I don't know about the delta pads though? I have only ever used Festool paper for that.

 

[guybo]

Hi, we use abarnet ace hd ,wears like iron great on curves or heavy stock removal edge hardly breaks,only in 40,60,80 grit ro 150 and 125 we use hook and loop back.guy

 

[Stan Tillinghast]

Has anyone used 3M  Xtract 3” discs on the RO90?

Has anyone cut down Xtract discs to delta shape for the RO90, or for multi tools?

 

[ryanjg117]

Has anyone used 3M  Xtract 3” discs on the RO90?

Has anyone cut down Xtract discs to delta shape for the RO90, or for multi tools?

I dumped all of my Festool abrasives and replaced it all with Xtract after watching that KM video, lol.

It's working great for me, and does seem to clog less than my old Festool Granit/Rubin/Brilliant.

Hard to tell if it lasts longer than Abranet as I've only sanded a few panels and some epoxy of late.

 

[notenoughcash]

i find that net rips way to easy, and stick to paper, in my case, bosch gold

 

[flamingoezz]

Are you using Xtract in Rotex mode? I ordered some up after seeing that video but the box says not for rotary sanders. Not sure why, but wondering if others used it in that manner.

Has anyone used 3M  Xtract 3” discs on the RO90?

Has anyone cut down Xtract discs to delta shape for the RO90, or for multi tools?

I dumped all of my Festool abrasives and replaced it all with Xtract after watching that KM video, lol.

It's working great for me, and does seem to clog less than my old Festool Granit/Rubin/Brilliant.

Hard to tell if it lasts longer than Abranet as I've only sanded a few panels and some epoxy of late.

 

[ryanjg117]

Unfortunately, Xtract does NOT hold up to heavy stock removal in Rotex mode. Mirka Abranet is much more substantial and the edges don't rip, in my experience. Xtract is my go-to though if I'm not sanding aggressively.