3 SHOCKING things we found testing 3M XTRACT Sanding Discs (not sponsored) | 🌎 REAL WORLD TEST

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Jonathan Katz-Moses' video:
• Largest Sandpaper Test...
In this video we test the new 3m Xtract cubitron sanding discs. Surprising real-world test results!
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[@danmartinguit]

Its says right on the back of the box of the 3M Xtract 88518 : " For orbital sander use only. DO NOT use with rotary sander" !!! I just tried them with a Festool ETSC 125 cordless sander with protection pad ( The protection pad is needed for this kind of net/mesh sand papers so you don't ruin your hook and loop ) and no vacuum ( just the little bag and well made suction system ) on soft and hard woods guitars and they look like a game changer with ZERO grit residue and a good finish and A LOT FASTER removal than anything I tried so far...By a lot ! (P.s. Just let the sander do its job without pressing ) We Always have to think about, and experiment with OUR OWN set ups and technics because it is most always the culprit in ANY situations...Good luck !

[@BuckRogers2491]

Something not often mentioned is the need to use protector pads when using a mesh sanding product. Even 3M recommends using one right in their literature. Add that into the overall cost...

[@ScottSpeedPro]

Just started using my new sander, thanks for the heads up on the protection pads! First I've heard of it, good to know.

[@dairybarnwoodworking215]

I watched this video a while back. I’ve been using the same Mirka paper for about a year now and decided to give the 3M a shot. I’ve gotta say I was blown away. I think the 3M paper removes twice as fast and lasts 3 times longer. For reference I primarily use 150 grit since I’m sanding pine and applying oil base stain.

[@ErtsenPlayGames]

thats right ...this test was like 1 min .... first minute on XTRACT leave some residue but then you remove everything super smooth , fast as heck all the time until it won't hold to the velcro

[@joshrulz8p]

what you don't realize is, that you may have bought seemingly same grit paper from each brand - but each brand grades their paper/discs differently. so your 3m paper that cuts faster may actually be a lower grit - however if it lasts longer, then then you get more value that way instead of just cut speed alone.

[@Suedseeker65]

Interesting, I just switch over to the new 3M sanding disc and sanded my maple/cherry cutting board from 80-240 grit without any problem or having noticeable pink bits coming off. Maybe you got a bad batch or you demand more from your sandpaper, all good.

[@jennieanddavis]

Yeah just a little more info for those interested... I tested some from the other box and they have different batch numbers - same result. I wasn't pressing particularly hard and I noticed it happening during flat sanding, not just the sharp chamfers/edges 🤷🏼‍♂️.

[@sz3231]

@@jennieanddavis yeah I had the same exact issue. I use mostly festool granat. I couldn’t believe how fast the 3m cubitron pattern just fell off. It was actually very confusing for me.

[@lew30039]

I tested the 3M Cubitron II in both 5" and 6" discs (not mesh), with mixed results. I first tried it with a 6" 120 grit disk, and I thought it was revolutionary. It was so good I actually called my wife out to the shop to see. Unfortunately, when I went to test an 80 grit disk, I had the same problem you did. It fell apart in less than five minutes and left purple grit all over what I was working on. Since then, my results have been consistently on opposite sides of the scale. It is either great or terrible, and there doesn't appear to be much consistency between grits. It just varies from disk to disk. I have concluded that it is a good product with the potential to be great, but it looks like 3M is having quality control issues. To me, consistent results are essential, so at least for the time being, I won't be repurchasing 3M Cubitron products.

[@jamesdeclan7538]

This seems to be common with all net based sand paper 80 grit is just so large it does not have space to hold on the the net

[@onefifthtoofifthwedfifthbr5371]

Thanks for testing it out! I ordered a bunch of those new disks, gonna run through them all and see if I like them. If I’m not wowed by them, I’ll try yours. I’m using the Klingspoor’s sanding paper now, so I’m hoping these ones will be better than the ones I’ve always used

[@79tonyn]

You should disclose this is not a scientific test.

[@katzmosestools]

So you tried to remove a drum sander scratch pattern with 220 for one minute and change and put out a 10 minute video? Seems like such a disservice to the community to try to discredit an actual 4 full day scientific test we devised over 6 months using a robots to ensure objectivity, by using the wrong sandpaper for the job for a total of one minute and change each. I urge everyone everyone to actually watch my video. This is a poor representation of what our data shows and clearly is poorly thought out example of how to use any sandpaper. A drum sander leaves a deep scratch pattern that would need a much lower agressive grit to remove. J and D I am a fan of your channel and you guys but come on, let's at least try to provide good testing parameters and information. I have no interest in who wins but if you're going to do comparison videos at least try to set up a something that has verifiable data people can use to make informed decisions.

[@jennieanddavis]

Hey Jonathan, let’s be clear: we loved your video. This video was in no way trying to discredit your data or the results you found. You and your team did an outstanding job! As research scientists ourselves, we appreciated the effort you put into collecting your data and controlling for other variables. We don’t doubt any of your results. Your video inspired us to share our subjective experience using this new product in our process and we weren't a huge fan of the outcome. This video was about our value judgement - whether we liked the product or not. Not a scientific study to debunk your results! We tried to be very clear about that, but audiences will hear what they want to hear sometimes. We're sorry you didn’t like this video - I hope we can continue to appreciate each other's work professionally!

[@katzmosestools]

@@jennieanddavis "3 Shocking things..." we found in 1 minute by using a product incorrectly is purely clickbait and misinformation in attempt to use topical information to get views in spite of your audiences desire to get good info. You put "Is 3M the Real Winner" in the thumbnail and say you're not trying to discredit our test 🤦‍♂️. This is bad content for the woodworking community guys, plain and simple. I absolutely invite you to duplicate our test (sans robot) and publish your results. Check out my last sandpaper test for robot free options or devise one with your own *repeatable* testing parameters. This is the third test I've run on sandpaper and I can assure the the abranet you used has performed middle of the pack everytime and NO Aluminum Oxide (abranet for example) sandpaper can compete with any ceramic based paper (cubitron, Norton ceramic, Diablo mesh, Mirka iridium etc). Ceramic is new to the industry and I suspect Aluminum oxoie papers like the abranet you used will become a thing of the past soon. Videos like this are why we work so hard on our comparison videos.

[@vanpattenfurnishingsllc4320]

Okay Boomer

[@katzmosestools]

@Matthew Gaylen thank you for the kind words. I have no problem with anyone's opinion of whatever paper. As I said in my test it was not sponsored and I don't care if someone proves me wrong by actually doing some testing in a real world environment. Please do it. That kind of data helps the community. The issue I have here is the extremely click bait title, mentioning my video, followed by the equivalent of getting a $3000 cabinet saw, making one cut with the wrong blade and saying "nope, hate it" I'll stick with my $400 dewalt jobsite saw. If the cabinet saw really is bad great, but prove it. I know from 3 tests and 2 done by another person (project farm being one of them) that the aluminum oxide (Mirka abranet) doesn't hold a candle to any ceramic papers. This video was for the clicks based on the excitement from my test as evidenced in the intro and thumbnail.

[@jennieanddavis]

@@katzmosestools Please stop embarrassing yourself - this is just a video about some sandpaper... The viewers are smart enough to think for themselves, thumbnails and all. We qualified in every part of this video that this was our subjective opinion. The sandpaper may have won your contest, but it didn't win in our hearts. We'd love to stay and chat, but we need to go make sure Tropical Storm Peter doesn't go near land. Have a great day!

[@FatlighterWC]

I think it depends on the use. I have recommended our charity use them because cost is extremely important and we are making beds from rough lumber. However, I agree that final finish is the biggest factor when doing most woodworking, especially if it is to be sold.

[@debandmike3380]

I have been using the cubitron II discs lately. i believe it comes down to personal preference much like any other disposable accessory in a workshop based on what you feel works best for what you do, Definitely experiment because you never know when you might find something better Or in your case validate what you already had

[@davidcurtis5398]

Even if i love the new sanding discs I can not afford to get rid of all of the stock tht i now have. When I am ready to replenish then I will see what is on the market...

[@80211Denver]

Old subject I guess but, I just picked up a sample pack of the 3M and used them to sand face frames on a massive entertainment center. It was RAINING grit on me. The shelving and floors are covered in sharp granular crap that I had to carefully vacuum up or it would definately have scratched the hell out the of finished floors. JKM's video ddn't go into quality of the Surface -at all- so I don't get his ranting posts here about his robot tests. Volume of material was better but I can certainly see how loose grains could ruin a finish. You caught that right away

[@ch4processer]

Yup same here Im a bodyshop guy and the Mirka Abranet is epic and same with my hand sanding ... Even this week i gave 3m blue mesh a go and sent it all back to my distributor

[@erikpaul2550]

I ordered some of the 150 grit and I'm curious to see how they work. I generally run my boards through a drum sander at 150 grit, then ROS them at 150 grit with a Festool disc. I have found I prefer the Festool discs to the Mirka, but partly because I find the velcro on the back of the Mirka doesn't hold as well on the sander. Curious to see how the 3M perform!

[@MrWSM1]

Thanks for the comparison! Quick question, was that a scientific test?

[@lolamann110]

I built Guitars almost 20 years & from the first time i work with Abranet, it's the King to me.

[@Richard-dh8ny]

If I'm not mistaken those 3M sanding discs are only designed for random orbital sanders, not rotary sanders. Using a rotary sander will provide less than desirable results.

[@joeslat7348]

Cool video guys do you just run the mirka sander and how does it go for more agresive sander or is it final finishing only?

[@artkrumsee8167]

I'm not seeing the loose grit problem either and I've used both the Mirka and the 3m discs. My guess is that this is about the amount of pressure you are putting on the sander as you work. With the recommended light pressure I'm having zero problem with loose grit.

[@ricksands9810]

Thanks for the video it was very interesting. What grit did you sand to on the drum sander? I have the same problem with my drum sander getting lines even when I try to takeoff very little. I would be interested in knowing the sequence you use on the drum sander. Thanks

[@jennieanddavis]

It’s like 180 or something. That grit is rough enough to take material off, but gentle enough to minimize the streaks

[@scottmorris4914]

Mine came in last week, and tested them on my 3M Xtract ROS. I was not impressed based on the 3M disks, looked like there was less abrasive than the hole area. So I dind’t think it would sand down very quickly. Well, I was wrong. I had some butcher block countertops, to be cut and made into floating shelves. I pencil marked the wood, and about few passes, and the pencil marks disappeared. I tried again, same results. And this happened on each grit I used. I used 80 and work my way up two more grits. I have no purple bits anywhere on my wood. I wonder if you got a bad box.

[@TheEchelon]

It’s because he used a rotary sander and not an orbital. It’s user error on his part.

[@tomrudd530]

going to buy some and try for myself, as we all should find our own brands that work for our needs.

[@jimmygranquist8919]

Hi Davis, for your info; it is Abranet, pronounced AH-BRAH-NET. The name is actually English since it is an ABRAsive NET. And it is NOT a steel mesh. It is simply a tough fabric with, in this case, aluminium oxide grains. Some Abranet products have either ceramic grains or silicon carbide grains. And the Finnish company Mirka were the founders of this product some 20 years ago which gives them a good advance in the "net sanding race".

[@jennieanddavis]

All we know is that it makes us money and does a good job!

[@agoogleuser7784]

Just a heads up, it’s ABRA-net. As in ABRA-sive. Also the Mirka Abranet isn’t not “sharp metal” protrusions from the wire mesh, it consists of a polyamide nylon fabric, much like metal surface prep discs. That polyamide nylon mesh is then covered in abrasive aluminum oxide particle that have been applied with adhesive much like your standard sandpaper. The major difference between the 3m Xtract discs and the Mirka Abranet discs is that Mirka uses aluminum oxide as the abrasive and 3m uses their proprietary precision shaped ceramic particles. While the 3m discs may undergo an initial “shedding” period of loosely adhered particles, overall their abrasive will last significantly longer than the Mirka. This is because the hardness of aluminum oxide comes nowhere near that of the ceramic used by 3m. Allowing the ceramic to stay “sharper” much longer than the aluminum oxide. As far as personal experience I used the Abranet products for years and thought they were hands down the best product on the market. That is until 3m launched their xtract series and I was able to make the switch to those. Most people that use abrasives daily know that almost no one comes near 3m when it comes to their proprietary “cubitron” abrasive particles. They cut more efficiently and last longer than anything else on the market. The only drawback most find is the price, but if you look at time and materials saved you almost always recoup this initial investment. Sounds like much of your time was spent chasing the shedded particles rather than brushing them away and moving on. You actually may have been more successful using the disc on a few boards before making the comparison so that the shedding had been completed and the 3m still would have outlasted and outdone the Abranet.

[@thedrewwitt]

This 👆

[@tajnewell]

Correction. Aluminum Oxide is harder than ceramic, not the other way around, just FYI. In fact, ceramic IS Aluminium Oxide, so technically, removing a tiny sample of each and testing them side by side their hardness will be almost identical. It is the macro structure that is relevant and the way they wear that makes ceramic grains appear sharper and last longer. AlOx wears by dulling as it is so hard, the sharp points of the abrasive grains get rounded off, this means AlOx abrasives cut more slowly, but are gentler and last longer leaving less sanding marks. Ceramic grains are simply AlOx grains that have been milled into a fine powder then fired to sinter (fuse) them together, then further processed by milling to grade (size) them. Ceramic grains have sharper edges where the grains have broken at the sinter points during manufacture (imagine a mountain with one jagged peak vs one with several jagged peaks and valleys) During use instead of dulling ceramic grains regularly fracture exposing fresh sharp surfaces which allows them to cut more aggressively for longer, the downside is that they leave deeper sanding marks for any given grit. So, as an individual grain, ceramic (referred to industrially as SG - for Sintered Grain) abrasives are weaker, as they fracture! This also means they are sharper and thus cut more efficiently, for longer. So. Ceramic grains are chemically identical to AlOx grains and identical in hardness. They are in fact less tough and weaker which means they are sharper, because they break more easily. Pedantic? Maybe, but you know, facts. Silicon carbide is sharper than ceramic and fractures even more easily, this makes it great for light duty fine hand sanding but it wears out much faster. Ceramic abrasives were engineered to basically be a self sharpening grain like Silicon carbide that was more durable, think of them of like a cross between SiC and AlOx. I think Ceramic abrasives are the best for wood up to P120 but for hard metals and floor machines very high performance Zirconium abrasives like Lägler are more efficient. Obviously ceramic diamond and cubic boron nitride would be the best but would probably be quite pricey. Cubitron 2 grains are triangular shaped and are electrostatically aligned to point upwards and thus have fantastic initial bite. The durability then becomes more to do with adhesive and grain retention. Ceramic grits are best for light to medium pressure loading, for high pressure and temperature loading a Zirconia mix usually works better. I have been wood finishing for over 35 years, use around 2,000 abrasive discs per year and studied materials engineering and yet this information confused me for ages and I have only recently found this out. 3M 310W may shed less, 3M 700W is more durable. SIA ceramic net is just as good and much cheaper than Festool who surely don't make it themselves, Abra net is also relatively expensive. In the UK at least SIA is most cost effective followed by 3M. I have not used 710W but it looks like it would initially shed a lot due to the localised nature of the abrasive, this may lead to a lot of sanding marks, I would think SIA or the evenly coated 3M nets would give a more consistent finish.

[@agoogleuser7784]

@@tajnewell wow, thank you for all of this information, seriously! You can definitely tell that you studied materials engineering through a legitimate program. I have a lot of respect for people like you that take the time to become experts in their fields. You should honestly have a KZbin channel that explains this kind of stuff lol. There are a lot of people out there like myself that have a bachelors of science and therefore have a decent background on chem and physics but love to learn at a higher level like you displayed here. I appreciate the time you took to respond and enlighten me into the exact processes that these abrasives utilize in order to be effective. Thanks!

[@richardmyers500]

Just finished my own unscientific comparison of Cubitron Xtract and Mirka Autonet using my Mirka 5" sander. I compared the 120 and 180 grits of the two on the same walnut boards. The Xtract sanded much faster (twice as fast?) as the Autonet. Suggest you redo your comparison... or if you don't and your video stands, then maybe the Xtract will be more easily available for me in the future, which will make me very happy..

[@DIYHGP]

Davis the best measure is how they work on your projects and your environment. good conclusion

[@CarlYota]

I remember the big strength of the 3m disk in JKMs test was that it kept removing the most material each five minute session. In the final session it was still removing more than all the other discs did in their first five minutes. I bought 150 of these in varying grits but I haven’t tested them yet.

[@nonexman]

It's nine months later as I read this, can you post any results and observations?

[@cmac8439]

I also saw the sandpaper review and ordered the 3M extract disks. As a woodturner, I attempted to sand a bowl with their 3 inch 120 grit disks and within 20 seconds, pieces of grit were flying off and leaving scratches on my bowl. I returned the boxes for a refund.

[@derekdodson5623]

Interesting review. Thanks

[@goforthbmerry]

I watched the JKM video. Was going to buy these too. But wasn't the "wow" factor in the durability and not the speed? Cheaper over all because they last longer at quality level? Ergo - you don't change pads and save money.

[@jennieanddavis]

Hey Edward! You make a great point! Speed, durability, and cost are variables which overlap in A LOT of ways. They're very hard to tease out individually. More to your point, though, the durability on these is TRASH when you're evaluating 'sharpness' over time in this very narrow real-world-use-case here. Bottom line: I'm not going to consider changing our entire manufacturing process just to save a couple bucks a month on sandpaper discs. We have bigger fish to fry!

[@goforthbmerry]

@@jennieanddavis agree you shouldn’t change your process. Time is money and JKM didn’t did not weigh in “ I can sand 4 boards an hour with this paper and 3 with this brand “. Pretty sure most of us get paid per project

[@jtalstad]

I didn't see you blow off or vacuum off the sander pad before attaching the Xtract; did you? Could particulates under the paper compromise substrate anchoring?

[@garyburchett7357]

I have tried every sanding disc availabe ,abranet mirka,Bosch , makita, dewalt etc I have found that trend sanding discs have both performed the most consistent and they stick to your pad until you want to take them off

[@daveerickson5313]

What grit were you using in the drum sander?

[@tomhostetter8516]

Davis, thanks for the video, my thought is this, you used water to raise the grain on both boards but the 3m pad wasn't used for 2+ minutes which allows the water to raise the grain futher which could vary the result? Not sure if it makes a difference or not but that's my take away...

[@jennieanddavis]

Hey Tom! I know the video didn’t show it, but they dried out for about an hour before starting the sanding test (I forgot I was filming a video lol)

[@wittworks]

As many have said, the Xtract aggressive grits may need to have been broken in, but I think you may be missing what 3m has achieved. The ceramic grit is “self sharpening” in that as you use it, and it breaks down (the purple you’re talking about) - like carbide is leaves a sharp edge. It is miles superior than the Mirka net you have (but you have the Mirka expired patent to thank for Xtract). I’m guessing you’ve figured this out by now. Also, as Sedge from Festool would point out, the amount of suction from your extractor has an effect. You can lower the suction to get the right surface tension. Cheers from San Antonio. 🍻

[@davidmarshall6188]

Great video. I was wondering what kind of Mirka sander you use? Thank you

[@berendlucasvanderweide]

I don't know if they are available in your country, but i'm using the Abranet Ace (they are using ceramic abrasive where the standard abranet uses aluminum oxide). They hold longer for my work on oak than the standard abranet. (also using the 150mm/5mm mirka machine) When they are starting to loose their sharp edge and are not torn, I like to use them on a 150mm hand pad for chamfers and round offs. I'm using the abranets with an extra velcro pad.

[@deborahrouchon7740]

I use the Mirka Abranet also and have been very happy with them. Yes, they’re expensive and I also should probably change them more often. I also have the 3M discs which I have trouble even getting to hang onto my Bosch sander. 3M didn’t care. They do hang on to my DeWalt but the edges end up looking like frilly lace after being changed a number of times. I dunno. Think I’ll stick to Mirka. I was hoping the cheaper one would do better. Thanks for your test.

[@Ampie187]

You have to use a backprotector to use it

[@BradsWorkbench]

I prefer whatever brand is on sale on amazon lol... i find im more willing to swap discs more often when i'm only paying .10 cents a piece or so for them

[@RMRMatt09]

I may be wrong, but it looks like on the Mirka discs you used net abrasives(which work great with dust collection,. Which having it work good with dc helps prevent the swirls and give a more even finish) but on the 3m I did not see holes or a net for the dc suck through. That may explain why you were having purple bits and swirls since the dc can't suck through solid paper. Maybe it was not solid paper, but hard to tell from the video. I enjoy your guys videos. Its been great seeing your buisness grow. If your ever in the Chicago area, my shop is about 40 minutes south. You have an open invitation to stop in.

[@CarlYota]

The 3m is a net not a solid paper. The purple is the abrasive and all the white shapes are just netting. Dust collection should not be an issue here as the disc is more net than abrasive.

[@jsodeman1]

What is the random orbital sander that you are using in this test?

[@CarlYota]

Mirka Deros probably the 550

[@vanceflight3433]

What brand of sanding discs are you using? Other than the 3m

[@befmx31]

I have used the 3M Extract and also found that the purple stuff comes off pretty easily.

[@aaronoconnor606]

I feel like the wire mesh type pads remove dust better and don't gum up as much therefore they last longer. not sure if they are any faster

[@steelsunpi]

Hope yall are staying safe with Nic heading this way. In SW Houston here and closely watching it.

[@jennieanddavis]

Jennie flew it yesterday when they named it! It’s pretty disorganized - keep monitoring NHC and get your plan ready just in case!

[@reubenbrauer7316]

Try sanding endgrain... you'll switch to cubitron II real fast lol. The cut lasts 3-4 times as long as any other sandpaper/mesh.

[@mattmayes599]

I noticed you sanded with the grain at the end with the Abranet and cross grain with the 3M. Maybe that was the reason the 3M didn't do as well? Thanks for the info in the video. 👍

[@MetalsForBrunch]

what orbital sander are you using?

[@lindyblades1913]

I still use the boring basic ones. A new sander is on my list of investments and i supose at that point i will get more fancy with the sand paper too.

[@coltonwoodley2646]

I’m literally subbing just because of the deez nuts thing, I’m not even 30 seconds into the video hahaha

[@nateb4543]

I was under rhe impression my 1/2" x 18" 3m cubitron 2 (60 grit) was designed for steel? Its for a powerfile and it does a fantastic job. So cubitron 2 is a wide line of products for different materials?

[@raymondreyes4244]

Some thoughts on that, one...the 3M discs are good but the mesh holes do not allow enough of the dust to get collected; two....being that it is a new, different material from which they are made could influence how the sanding properties end up; for example a 5 watt LED bulb is almost always compared to it's incandescent counter part. So a 200 grit of this sand paper is more comparable to a 150 grit of the common one we all know.

[@gabesmith6475]

Interesting. I haven’t had the chance to get some. They seem promising, but I still have a ton of Mirka discs

[@hbsmart]

Hmm , you were trying to take 120 grit on the belt sander, to 220 grit? Don’t you think that was a big jump? I just got my own sample pack , I’ll be trying this week.. I use Festool sanders and paper.. I looking for cost savings as well..

[@jennieanddavis]

Hey HB! Good to hear from you. It's 180 on the drum sander. But that doesn't matter because the test was a head-to-head subjective comparison, not an objective clinical laboratory test with ideal conditions

[@ericd.1289]

Seems like a substantial loss in surface area of the sanding surface on the 3M discs, is the "gap" between the purple chevron outline supposed to allow for dust extraction or is it also an abrasive texture? If the lighter part of that disc isn't an abrasive surface I would imagine that lead to the longer sanding time.

[@jeffstewart7434]

To answer your question, in the JKM video, he said the lighter colored areas of the 3M Xtract disc were the vented areas where dust was extracted

[@JohnB.6251]

I found this very helpful. Thanks for your biased review, appreciate your honesty about it.

[@ATAsgard1]

Are both of those discs you used compatible with the Festool sanders?

[@jennieanddavis]

Yes! As far as I know, they Velcro on just the same!

[@DirkieB]

Probably too much pressure on the sander? Everybody sands with too much pressure on the tool. Haven't gotten to try them yet myself though.

[@DavZell]

I was wondering this, too.

[@h.michaelhansen8220]

with practice a handplane will be faster, leave a smother board, and cost less than sanding. That said I need more hand plane practice and often reach for my random orbit even though I prefer the planed product. I guess we truly are creatures of habit.

[@honeybeecare6393]

cost per gram might be skewed with the sanding disc material mixed in (metal is not a light material)

[@shermantank]

Nope, it was the weight of the board before and after. They weren't collecting all of the dust and weighing it, that would be insane.

[@josephromero1596]

Can u share link to ur disc you’ve always used?

[@ddutton0]

Interesting, I was thinking the bed 3M may have been the new best thing, I use Mirka now so I will nor be running out to buy the 3m just yet. On a side note, where do you all buy your sandpaer at, is that a factor? For me I pick it up at my local rocker, yes more money it is convenient when I am there.

[@jennieanddavis]

Amazon usually

[@bruceregittko7068]

Kingspoor brick and mortar store

[@josephromero1596]

I also have lot of end grain boards to sand and really want the fastest product available…. At least on the lower grits lol

[@Jlinwoodjackson]

Oh yeah… for taking down wood, like really shaping some stuff… 80-120… add a vac and a good sander ( this stuff wood kick butt. I’d like to see 60/80 grit on a 150 rotex… then 400-600 in rotex mode… even up to 1000??

[@kenpogodan]

Have you ever found any problems with the Mirka hook and loop causing the hooks on the sander pad to wear out because they protrude through the paper?

[@ared18t]

You're supposed to use a protector pad.

[@honeybeecare6393]

good luck with your ground based hurricane observations... stay dry and safe

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

Bought a bunch after JKM's test. Expensive, but saves you money in the long run.

[@jonnotz72]

Those new 3m Cubitron Xtract discs are actually really cheap.

[@josephromero1596]

Check out the brand “Serious Grit” if u can- great paper no one’s heard of but love too see a shoot out

[@shaynesabala]

Unless I am not seeing it, you have links for all kinds of things but no links to either sanding disc that the video is about.

[@Bob_Adkins]

Who wouldn't want their tools to work more quickly and cheaply doing the rough and medium finishing? It leaves you fresher and with more time for the final finishing with finer grit paper.

[@hedgeapplehomestead2816]

Long live, CHAIR FORCE!!!

[@dave_ecclectic]

I don't know about the RO test but am wondering why you even use one? I bought a drum sander/surfacing sander to eliminate sanding for me. I would send all my peices through and didn't have a problem with scratches as I was finishing with fine grit. That was the whole point in buying one! No Random Orbit sanding was needed.

[@ironwood1621]

Mirka is a great product. And they’re cheaper than 3M (but everything is cheaper than 3M).

[@simonr6793]

The other factor within kat-mosses testing was he used a robotic sander that applies the exact same amount of pressure in each of his tests. The other thing is he only tested a tiny amount of the Mirka sanding pads. Mirka actually make lots of different types of this disc but he used a tiny amount of them in his testing!!! I agree with you the m3 isn't the superman of sandpaper discs in my opinion I found it rather poor!!

[@bhough410]

The 3M pads are the most overhyped orb snading pads on the market. You should try the Diablo Sandnet, you can thank me later. No need to cycle pads out every 19 seconds either!

[@mountainbikerdave]

Merka/Arbanet makes a "relatively new" ceramic abrasive mesh pad that directly completes with the 3M cubitron. So if you want to upgrade from aluminum oxide abrasive to ceramic abrasive you don't have to change brands. The ceramic abrasives do last a heck of a lot longer the aluminum oxide abrasives.

[@suzabakingbaked7975]

Well based on your very objective, scientific test I have made two decisions on your scientific test in your laboratory...... All kidding aside.... 1) I won't be ordering those new fangled discs 2) don't believe sponsored reviews on new fangled discs I enjoyed the review. I do ALL my sanding with an orbital so I'm trying to find better options I can't find at Lowe's

[@Artisanwoodworks73]

I've been using the 3M discs in 120 and 220 for some time now. I've never had any of the grit"purple bits" come off nor have I had anything but a good experience. Of course, I have a downdraft table I built hooked up to my 3Hp dust collector as well as dust collection through hose to shop vac while I'm sanding. Overkill, maybe, but I have ZERO dust in the shop. I like Jennie & Davis. But Davis really needs more experience in the shop. He's NOT a craftsman nor a seasoned woodworker. ALL I build is cutting boards etc. I use my Xcarve daily and it's excellent. But that's another video to comment on .

[@richragan4810]

I'm new to your channel and just watched this out of frustration so I'm wondering if you or anyone else can respond to my question. Yes, I too like the Cubitron like many others. HOWEVER, I use a dewalt orbital sander with the hook and loop disk. I have replaced the hook and loop disk now 3 times since beginning to use the Cubitron because no matter what I do in a very short time with even the new hook and look disk the cubitron just doesn't stick any longer and just flys off. I have tried everything to "Rejunveante" the hook and loop without success. When I use the Dewalt disks, (and yes they take longer) I do not have the "Fly Off" problem. Can anyone help with ideas or maybe i'm the only one experincing this issue.

[@jennieanddavis]

It might be the sandpaper is 'eating' your hook-and-loop pads. You can buy (much cheaper) hook-and-loop pads to go between your sander and the sandpaper. It's much cheaper than replacing the foam sanding pad.

[@richragan4810]

@@jennieanddavis Thanks so much for your reply. I didn't know foam sanding pads are available. I look forward to following your channel!

[@brianbarney1885]

Wearing out the hook and lip on a stock sander pad is something I ran into years ago with my 5” PC sander then finally found that Mirka makes an intermediate pad that hooks to the stock pad. The Mirka discs then attach to the intermediate pad. They are called Pad Savers, PN 9955. I bought them from an auto body supply store. They work great and last forever which is relative as I usually use a smoothing plane for final prep , but they do last far longer than the bare stock pad.

[@bruceregittko7068]

Heat will kill hook/loops. If some disks are thinner, they may not insulate as well so heat builds up and melts the loops. I have to be careful with mesh disks for this reason.

[@cranskin604]

Great video,thanks. One sllight comment it is Abranet not Arbenet

[@merrickbibens6514]

This an eight month old video, so I don't expect a response. What was the grit on the drum sander, and what was the grit on both of the sanding discs? In the video you stated the 3M was 220 grit but didn't state the other discs' grit....if they were different than it's Not a valid test. Understand that each grit make marks, which the next finer grit removes...on and on until you get the finish you are looking for. Thanks for your time.

[@rockbandgamer]

5:00 is the exact reason I'll never buy the mirka sander lol

[@brunngraggan679]

After having heavily invested in Abranet, I recently used Cubitron II for several projects: no issue at all, and much better than Abranet, this as a former fan of Abranet. (I wish I hadn't spent so much money on Abranet). My experience corresponds to almost everybody's experience and to the extensive, scientific tests. Statistically your experience looks like an outlier. Maybe some unlucky parameters?

[@CP-mb7ly]

I'm not sure it's an outlier, but definitely a disc-by-disc manufacturing difference. I've been using Xtract to sand my MIL's cabinet doors and the discs have definite variances in performance. Some last forever and a few crap out after a few minutes of use. It's annoying to me as a beginner because it's difficult to tell the difference but I'm getting better at it and noticing it more often now.

[@tjscribner4756]

First off they are not going up in price. Under 40 cents list for 5 Inch discs. The clear coating might wear but the mineral is not wearing on the disc. There is still plenty of life there. Hence the robot just keep using the disc.

[@Necro_AAAARon]

You killed me with deez nuuuuuu

[@Goalsplus]

Cost per gram might be okay today but different retailers have different prices and sometimes they have specials etc. So it's actually very impractical in my opinion. I don't know the best answer.

[@stepheneverard2085]

It's a bit concerning that it happens at 220 grit. I've encountered it with diablo sandnet, but usually at lower grits when I'm being a bit mean to the paper and sanding edges. My guess is that the fenstrations in the 3M disc may actually allow impact damage to the edge of the raised grit area, especially if there's too much speed or pressure... I couldn't help but notice that Jonathan's robotic test arm had a 3M logo on it🤔... maybe it was dialled in perfectly for that specific disc type.

[@duaynenaugle4186]

The extract just lasts longer than the Mirka product

[@moderator578]

Hi! Nice Channel! Quick question..I noticed on top of your Makita systainer you have a yellow systainer. What brand is that?

[@andyburns]

If I squint, I can read "Mirka Deros"

[@miafrench9688]

Great Affordable Sander

[@markhagen7777]

Mirka “A bra net” been using it for years…the best

[@Mainbusfail]

Now, I am wondering if your hurricane research figures are accurate.

[@josephromero1596]

U say “need to change out disc every 5-10 min” u mean like and throw away or save and clean later?

[@timhalcomb4041]

Thanks for sharing the information really appreciate it even if it wasn't scientific LOL

[@jimspencer1077]

👍

[@dustinstorey6779]

I’ve never had any or the issues you described and I have pretty much every grit and have used a lot of it. Seems like sanding one board and making a video of the outcome is a little sus. But hey you do you.

[@davidkendrick3158]

Kind of disappointed in your video...was hoping for a bit more scientific study... ;-) Hope you guys are having a great week!

[@qtcresca]

I also noticed the discs lose their bite a lot faster than the diablos I get at Home Depot. Was not impressed at all by the new 3M

[@CP-mb7ly]

Super interesting! I switched to the Diablo sandnet also after one Xtract disc wasn't doing anything and it was so much faster. I'm not sure they last as long though!

[@netwt449]

Let’s not forget… the Diablo are DOUBLE the price of the 3M ! Will you ever get your money back? Especially if they don’t even last as long?

[@mikesanchez9654]

Great video. Jennie, get Davis to stand up straight - he's constantly leaning forward to get his face right in the camera.

[@DaveM2]

I'm pretty sure you said Non-Scientific, and Subjective 37 times. I guess it's "impordant" to be thorough. Good video

[@jennieanddavis]

And yet some people still never heard it... 🙄 Makes you wonder if they even watched before spewing their opinion

[@michaeldulmage8449]

I used the craftsman design. They sucked. Could not keep them from sliding off my sander