Klarinet Archive - Posting 001168.txt from 1999/05

From: "Edwin V. Lacy" <el2@-----.edu>
Subj: [kl] Re: sandpaper
Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 17:46:46 -0400

On Wed, 26 May 1999, Mark Weinstein wrote:

> Query for the Sand paper experts out there. Is 220 the FINEST ? When I
> went to Wal-mart recently all I could find was 180. The 180 had a
> ADHESIVE BACK which would be nice and useful in making a "tool" to
> sand reeds, etc. I realized that the 180 wasn't high enough at the
> time in Wal-Mart. Does it go any higher than 220? Does Ferree's sell
> a small hand sanding tool and sandpaper?

I don't think I am a sandpaper expert, but, yes, it goes much higher.
Usually, #220 grit is referred to as "finishing paper," but much less
abrasive grades are available.

For much higher grades, look at waterproof sandpaper, also known as "wet
or dry" paper or silicon carbide paper. This is intended primarily for
use in sanding auto bodies for repainting, so it often is available at
auto supply stores in addition to hardware stores. It comes in grades or
degrees of abrasiveness such as 220, 320, 400, 600, and even much higher.
I personally like to use #1000 for sealing reeds, and I have seen it
advertised in grades as high as #1600. (That means that it has about the
same degree of abrasiveness on both sides of the paper!) With these
higher grades, you can't remove much cane, but you can seal the pores
without changing the essential dimensions of the reed.

There is a company which makes supplies for model builders which can
supply the finer grades. This company is "MicroMark." They are located
somewhere in New Jersey, and have a web site. Also, a music store in
Bloomington, Indiana, "Pro Winds," regularly stocks the #1000 waterproof
sandpaper.

The waterproof sandpaper is much more effective when both the paper and
the cane are wet, but it can be used dry also.

I made an easel for myself for the purpose of sanding the backs of reeds.
Take a piece of plate glass, perhaps 1/4" thick and 4" square. Using
contact cememt, glue #400 waterproof sandpaper to one side and #600 to the
other. It is great for making sure the back of the reed is flat. It can
also be used to work on the table of a mouthpiece if you are so inclined.
You can buy a commercial version of this from a music accessories company
for about $25, or you can make one, as I did, for about $1.

Ed Lacy
el2@-----.edu

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