Aluminum oxide, probably the most common, has a high degree of “friability.” which means that it fragments under heat and pressure. This is a good thing because fragmenting creating new “cutting edges. In a sense, then it is self-sharpening. Silicone carbide, which is harder than aluminum oxide, is better suited to cutting harder materials than wood, such as metal and fiberglass. Ceramic, the hardest abrasive, is generally available on belt sander-belts in lower grits for shaping and leveling wood. Finally, garnet, the softest abrasive, is not friable and wears out faster, but it cuts smoother than the others.
Clearly, there are a lot of factors that go into making even a simple decision like which soft of sandpaper to use. If you have any questions, you need to ask one of our friendly staff members. We will be happy to explain the different sorts of sandpaper and which one to choose for your particular needs. We also have a wide selection of sanders and other power tools, to make the job even easier.
HINT: The lower the grit’s number on a piece of sandpaper, the rougher the cut.
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