Sandpaper or Steel Wool ??

lacquerbreath · March 4th, 2008, 01:40 PM

I've always used the different grades of steel wool on many woodworking projects over the years. Having entered into the guitar building playground, I find no reference at all to it's use. Every resource I pull directs me back to
sandpapers up to the wet 2000 grit kind for finishing. My question is, Why?
Other than the wool particles flaking off during the rubout process, which require some diligent cleaning and tacking, what is so special about wet sanding? I've applied about 6 coats of gloss lacquer to my maple neck and whe finished, plan to rub out with 0000 super fine wool before compounding and polishing.

Is this not a wise path to take? Thanx.

unclearty · March 4th, 2008, 01:45 PM

The better option is to use Scotchbrite pads. They work as well as steelwool, but they tend to not shed. If you miss even one strand of the wool, it will begin to rust and ruin your finish.

jwells393 · March 4th, 2008, 01:53 PM

Sanding with wet sandpaper allows you to block sand to get a perfectly flat surface on a body. Don't see how you could do that with steel wool. Not so important with a neck.

jclark · March 4th, 2008, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwells393

Sanding with wet sandpaper allows you to block sand to get a perfectly flat surface on a body. Don't see how you could do that with steel wool. Not so important with a neck.

+1 on that - sandpaper is a much better option a lot of the time.

lacquerbreath · March 4th, 2008, 02:16 PM

Thanx. I guess it's just an old preference. I'm with you on the flat surface sanding and yes,on the body, I'm using a block. They cover a lot more territory as well. I'll stick with the 0000 wool on the neck. I'm only using it after the final topcoat and before the grit and polish.....Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get struck by lightning by the guitar gods. Thanx!!!

cwood3 · March 4th, 2008, 02:20 PM

micro mesh.............1500-12,000 grit...............

robt57 · March 4th, 2008, 02:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwood3

micro mesh.............1500-12,000 grit...............

Kind of an oxy-moron really. Grit the size of... what.... Chiggers?

March 4th, 2008, 01:40 PM	#1 (permalink)
lacquerbreath TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dumont, NJ Posts: 57	Sandpaper or Steel Wool ?? I've always used the different grades of steel wool on many woodworking projects over the years. Having entered into the guitar building playground, I find no reference at all to it's use. Every resource I pull directs me back to sandpapers up to the wet 2000 grit kind for finishing. My question is, Why? Other than the wool particles flaking off during the rubout process, which require some diligent cleaning and tacking, what is so special about wet sanding? I've applied about 6 coats of gloss lacquer to my maple neck and whe finished, plan to rub out with 0000 super fine wool before compounding and polishing. Is this not a wise path to take? Thanx.

March 4th, 2008, 01:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
unclearty Tele-Meister Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: South central Mass. Age: 56 Posts: 351 2 Photos	The better option is to use Scotchbrite pads. They work as well as steelwool, but they tend to not shed. If you miss even one strand of the wool, it will begin to rust and ruin your finish. __________________ uncle-arty

March 4th, 2008, 01:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,253 101 Photos	Sanding with wet sandpaper allows you to block sand to get a perfectly flat surface on a body. Don't see how you could do that with steel wool. Not so important with a neck. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

March 4th, 2008, 02:16 PM	#5 (permalink)
lacquerbreath TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Dumont, NJ Posts: 57	Thanx. I guess it's just an old preference. I'm with you on the flat surface sanding and yes,on the body, I'm using a block. They cover a lot more territory as well. I'll stick with the 0000 wool on the neck. I'm only using it after the final topcoat and before the grit and polish.....Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get struck by lightning by the guitar gods. Thanx!!!

March 4th, 2008, 02:20 PM	#6 (permalink)
cwood3 TDPRI Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Spring, Tx Age: 49 Posts: 35	micro mesh.............1500-12,000 grit...............