Sponge sandpaper differs significantly from traditional sheet sandpaper. In comparison, sponge sandpaper offers a degree of flexibility and flexibility, making it particularly challenging to work with curved surfaces and tight corners, where traditional sheet sandpaper is often unable to reach, leaving many sanders feeling overwhelmed. However, sponge sandpaper can easily handle these seemingly minor issues. In manual sanding, sheet sandpaper struggles to handle the heat generated by friction, making it easy for sanders to not only feel hot but also prone to cuts. Using sponge sandpaper can provide protection, both for the workpiece and for employees.
So, what's the correct way to use sponge sandpaper? What details should be considered when sanding and polishing with sponge sandpaper?
Here are three key points to keep in mind when sanding and polishing with sponge sandpaper:
1. Use a soft wooden or bamboo stick when sanding with sponge sandpaper.
When polishing round or spherical surfaces, using a soft stick allows for better alignment with the curves of the surface. Harder wood, like cherry, is more suitable for polishing flat surfaces. Trim the ends of the wooden strips so that they fit the shape of the steel surface. This will prevent the sharp angles of the wooden strips (or bamboo strips) from contacting the steel surface and causing deep scratches.
2. When switching between different sandpaper types, the polishing direction should be altered by 45° to 90°.
This allows for easy identification of the streaks left by the previous sandpaper type. Before switching between sandpaper types, the polishing surface must be thoroughly wiped with a 100% cotton ball and a cleaning solution such as alcohol. Even a small grit particle left on the surface can ruin the subsequent polishing. This cleaning process is equally important when switching from sponge sandpaper to diamond paste polishing. All particles and kerosene must be completely removed before continuing polishing.
3. To avoid scratching the workpiece surface, extreme caution must be exercised when polishing with #1200 and #1500 sandpaper.
Therefore, it is necessary to apply a light load and use a two-step polishing process. Polishing with each sandpaper type should be repeated twice in two different directions, rotating the surface 45° to 90° between each direction.
When using sponge sandpaper, pay attention to whether there are scratches on the surface of the workpiece. If there are obvious scratches, please eliminate the cause of the scratches. If the surface of the sponge sandpaper is found to be uneven, please do not continue to use it. Please replace it with new sponge sandpaper and then grind it.
