Problem with Tim Skilton Premium Sanding Pads

I had a batch of New wave discs like that a couple of years back. Had to be careful, because if you don't see the disc fly off you ruin the pad in a few seconds. I think their velcro was not nappy enough on those. Is that a bad word?

Only if you're Imus.

Pete, try some of the Power-Lock type disks that don't rely on velcro to hold the cloth to the pad and glue to hold the cloth to the paper. They are extremely aggressive and long-lasting, so I would recommend the fully-backed only when sanding with the lathe on, though the flex edge can be used lathe off. I had the same problem with the gold-color velcros from Packard, though the green ones are excellent.

No. Speed is not a player. Pressure makes heat. On odd contours there is a tendency to press harder, and at odd angles, should they be involved, there is no choice but to press to steady on the work, rather than the toolrest as is possible on the lathe.

I sand my carvings with the flex edge where there's work to be done. Since the disk is on a flexible shaft, I don't have the weight of a drill motor or a clumsy grip to contend with. Allows a much lighter touch which preserves contour and paper. Where it's merely cleanup of oil from my grubby hands as I steadied while carving, I use the small flap disks or mops from Klingspor on the same flex shaft. They don't ruin contour. On very large or very small surfaces, I mount the sander on my JET buffer/sander and move the piece.

Though I sand at 1725 shaft speed, I have carver friends that use 5K and above on their expensive flex tools as successfully. Make sure the sandpaper's rated for it!

Hello Pete,

I contacted Tim Skilton concerning the problem you describe. Tim tried to get ahold of you, but could not reach you through your contact information given in your profile. He did copy me, however, so I am posting his reply here:

"I really don't have any solution to offer in this situation.

The fact that Peter has no problem when using the Pads for their intended use, that is power sanding, leaves me wondering why there is a problem when used in a static situation.

I would have thought the reverse might have been an issue as I would have thought there would be more heat generated in Power Sanding.

I would really need to see the application to offer any specific advice.

Generaly the problem of the pad/abrasive losing grip is caused by heat, The little hooks on the velcro tend to straighten out when excessive heat is generated.

The other advice I can offer is to use as larger pad as possible. The larger pad has a greater surface area to absorb heat, this translate into longer life for the velcro.

I hope this helps.

Please let me know.

Tim Skilton"

I hope this may help you.

Fred Holder

I'm going to dissent here too. The greater radial velocity on edge of the larger disk results in a greater "kick" against the tool providing the power, and the hand holding that tool. The natural response to this perceived loss of control is to bear down, which puts greater stress on the velcro hold and results in greater heat.

On those occasions where I resort to coarser grits, I will only use smaller diameter disks because the combination of greater grab and greater speed makes them too difficult to control.

You disagree with the physicists. To the extent that the coefficient of friction may change by retaining dust under the pad, there may be slight differences, though the greater radial velocity will have a net clearing effect over the slower.

Consider the folks who use pneumatic tools operating at 15K and higher, or the standard orbital sander which operates in the 10-15Kopm range. They only get in trouble when they press, which increases the friction in the standard equation as well as developing additional friction due to deformation of the material and its holder. That's why they tell you to use only the weight of the sander to hold it to the work.

slower.http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/friction_equation.htm > > Consider the folks who use pneumatic tools operating at 15K and higher, or > the standard orbital sander which operates in the 10-15Kopm range. They > only get in trouble when they press, which increases the friction in the > standard equation as well as developing additional friction due to > deformation of the material and its holder. That's why they tell you to use > only the weight of the sander to hold it to the work. Hi Guys

Just wanted to add a bit more info to my original post. To the lad who contacted Tim Skilton. Last year I had the problem happening on the lathe also. Lee Valley sent out replacements. I noticed the grit size stamp and package was different as if they might have a problem. Last week it wasn't happening on the lathe only on the carvings. To the rest who have helped. I would have to say my lathe work experiences quite a bit more pressure and heat since I can lean into it. My carving was held between my knees and I could not bear down. The pads were coming off before any heat could be generated. Thanks again Peter

You weren't catching the raggedy edges, were you? That'd do a number on the backing, and ultimately on the hooks of the velcro. Wouldn't be the first guy to catch and throw one on a rough spot.

Sorry, follows the physical laws here. Must be the latitude.

Sounds like too agressive sanding to me. The Velcro hooks melt quite easily and when that happens they're done.............Ralph