Which Sandpaper is the Best? Ultimate Sandpaper Showdown (12 Brands - With Slow Mo 19k FPS Footage)

[@katzmosestools]

*Support What We Do at The Katz-Moses Store-* bit.ly/KMWstore20 *3M Cubitron ALL Products-* shop.kmtools.com/3mXtract *Taytools Sanding Test Results-* lddy.no/nm9q *Katz-Moses Sanding Test Results-*bit.ly/39fSQAT *Katz-Moses Watches and Horology-* bit.ly/2Ck61oF

[@jesus9925]

yo sup bro

[@TomsBackyardWorkshop]

Wait garnets are soft? they have a hardness of 7.5 few gemstones are harder than garnets.

[@katzmosestools]

@@TomsBackyardWorkshop super soft compared to AO and Ceramic. I'm not sure if garnet sandpaper is the same thing as the gem stones though. Might be worth googling

[@kfiramar9967]

Can't order it cause for some reason it can't be shipped to Israel.... :(

[@katzmosestools]

@@kfiramar9967 Israel placed a moratorium on the US shipping because of Covid unfortunately.

[@katzmosestools]

**BEFORE YOU COMMENT I WISH BRAND X WAS INCLUDED I SUGGEST CHECKING OUT THE FULL TEST HERE* lddy.no/nm9q FESTOOL, BOSCH, DEWALT, FREUD/DIABLO,GATOR, KINGSPORE, MIRKA, NORTON, SHOPSMITH, SIA, were included and got beaten in varying degrees by 3M. The full test is an informative and incredible 10 minute read. Cheers

[@3MAbrasives]

Great demonstration, Jonathan. We love to see professionals like you putting 3M science to work and getting more done per disc!

[@Eng586]

Favorite brand for sandpaper and masks!

[@TheTalottaMike]

I feel like I have been unintentionally marketing for you guys for the last 6 months... everyone I know uses the 3m cubitrons now. Is it too late to ask for a job? Ha!

[@Skylinegtrbnr34]

Does 3m sell this awsome sandpaper in europe

[@hazembata]

Please make a 6in variety pack.

[@bback4078]

I love your sandpaper! It's been harder for me to source locally since the pandemic started, but it's my favorite!

[@mikeswoodencreations5712]

I looked at the title, thought to myself “do I really need to watch this” as I was thinking what could I possibly learn about sandpaper but hey I’m I big fan of the channel so i got stuck in, anyway really glad I did, thanks for putting yourself through 6 hours of sanding for us! That’s dedication, Thanks Jonathon

[@djoravec3455]

Don’t say all go through 6 hours of sanding too... it really is no fun

[@johnmay3266]

I started using Mirka sanding discs a few years ago after getting very frustrated with the junk on the market. I didn't do any of the fancy tests like you guys did but I could figure out what was junk pretty fast. The Chairman of my Budget Committee didn't understand at first but she came around when I stopped ordering sandpaper every month. I buy 50 disc boxes and they last me several years. I run from 60 grit to 600 grit for my normal bowl and vase turnings and even have smaller boxes of 800 to 2000. Had I been able to see a video like yours sooner I would have saved much more. So glad my gut was proved out by your empirical results. Keep fighting the fight and saving us money. BTW it's the same for Bit and Bits. Slowly getting rid of junk.

[@austinwtoler]

"The Chairman of my Budget Committee" 😂 I know her well!

[@nickanderson8305]

When it comes to product testing project farm is by far the #1 source. Un-sponsored content and breaks down everything on many different levels.

[@langkhach237]

*Works really **MyBest.Tools** well, and fits hand perfectly.*

[@pedalman4595]

I am a Welder fabricator. I have been using 3M Cubitron for ever. GREAT PRODUCT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now that they offer it for wood, I will use nothing else. Thank you for all your content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@3MAbrasives]

Thanks for your kind words! It's great to hear how much you love our Cubitron products.

[@Niels_Dn]

Love the cost per gram removed comparison! I was always in doubt about what defines sandpaper quality and here we have it. Thanks!

[@bknighton92]

There's no offense meant here, I absolutely love the fact you seem to be a numbers and data nerd. It adds so much credibility to what you do when you're able to put some science behind the woodworking. Keep it up!

[@DylanPM]

Not only was this a far more interesting demonstration on sandpaper than I expected I was thrilled to learn that my other great hobby/money pit of horology (guys..) will now be covered by you!! Can’t wait to see more of your Seikos!

[@biglav6048]

The most underdog and under-appreciated topic in the wood working world! Killer video man, much needed! I'm either getting old and boring or we all share the same love for the craft! (Sandpaper videos are the most exciting!)

[@joeborowy5794]

I purchased a used one as the piece is a bit pricey, but the machine kzbin.infoUgkxG6fbm3cHBd7CNTjk5D-dwYe9c9tCB9ZN has surpassed my expectations. We sand small parts by hand often, sized around 1"x1/2," and specifically look for a piece that's designed to be vertical. The motor has plenty of torque and great speed settings. The only inconvenience I had is that the disk measures 5" where we trim 6" stick-and-sand disks down easily by mounting it then cutting with a box cutter.

[@mattpeterson7074]

This is excellent information. I've known for years the big box store brands were junk. Compared them with some sandpaper I picked up from a company called Heleta. I got turned onto their products years back through Pirate4x4 as having quality angle grinder wheels. Their sandpaper was MUCH better than the box store brands. Didn't rip as easy, didn't wear out as fast and was cheaper. Win, win, and win. That said, that was just my simple eyeball test. This information is fantastic! Well done to you Jonathan and to Mike for that hard work in that test. If I didn't have a stockpile of 50 sheets of all my sandpaper already I pick up some of that 3M stuff! Maybe in 3 years after I burn through all of my stock.

[@dannydaze2959]

Hey brother can’t thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into these videos, you really help me and others a ton. Also, I hear a lot of other KZbinrs referencing your videos so hats off to you man. Keep the goods comin🤙🏼

[@dignan17]

Thanks so much for this service you've done for your viewers! I ordered the 3M paper from Taylor after seeing your video last night, and I already received a shipping notification this morning. That's so fast! The only thing I would have liked to see you do is to throw in a SUPER cheap paper for comparison. You know there's folks out there picking their discs up at Harbor Freight. **looks around**

[@donnorton7304]

I think I learned more about sanding in this video than ever before .If only it wasn't needed but of course some finishing /smoothing of a surface can't be avoided.

[@MichaelHudgins0]

I got my sample pack of the 3M the other day and got to try it on some hard maple today and I have to say I was amazed at how fast sanding went. Sanding took less than half the time I expected and disk still looks almost new. Awesome find and worth the extra for me.

[@mashrealty]

Bought some of the 3M discs after watching this. Just got to use them on a project and you are 100% correct on these. They are WAY better than any others I have used before. Thanks for the video!

[@sweatyworf5267]

Been using these now for about a week straight, sanding an old poly sealed slab and wow these are the best sandpaper’s I’ve ever used!

[@cody7855]

If you asked me if I'd watch a ~15 minute video on sandpaper I'd give it a hard pass. But here I am, and I was interested. Thanks for the great videos. Lots of good information. Now to buy all the 3m sandpaper and finally build my sand paper station

[@adamgurian767]

Received my first commission project of 2.5" Ash Floating Shelves. I decided to re-watch your segment on sandpaper and ordered an assortment pack of the 3M Cubitron.......WOW!!! What a difference, the speed, the longevity and effectiveness. I will have to work my way through my existing inventory of Gator and other, but will be replacing with the Cubitron. Really appreciate your efforts on making this research public!

[@KeyWoodworks]

I just recently switched from Bosch paper to Mirka paper and this totally explains why I don't hate sanding anymore. Great video man!

[@markantony3875]

Just switched to the 3M Cubitron sandpaper. All I can say is wow! The best stuff I have come across. Not only great for woodworking, but metal working too. Metal simply destroys cheaper sandpaper...dull in a few seconds. The Cubitron eats through plain carbon steel like a hot knife through butter. Even with hardened tool steel, no problem. I recently refinished an old, beat to hell wood chisel with the Cubitron. I made my own PSA disks for a bench disk sander, started with 60 Grit to clean it up, then worked up to the 400 grit. I then finished the edge with waterstones. The chisel will take the hair right off your arm now. The amazing thing is the Cubitron disks I made still has a lot of life left in them...and this stuff is just "sandpaper" I picked up at the HD. Crazy!

[@lukafilm]

The slowmo series has been extremely interesting so far! Great work guys!!

[@KiranBhatWoodworking]

I totally agree with you!

[@Yawles]

I appreciate your science. The testing you showed is repeatable, quantified and above all undoubtedly fair! Very valuable information. Thank you, and I'm looking forward to wiping man glitter (saw dust) on my leftie apron!

[@shaesmith8962]

Thanks for the research you put into this. I just received my order of 3M cubitron and they are way better than anything I’ve used before. Also just got my tool apron in. Love the quality! Keep up the good work.

[@PeteSudlow]

Fantastic information & I'm sold on the cubitron! Definitely picking that up!

[@TimSchoffelman]

This video is a HUGE help. Thank you for posting it and breaking down the different manufacturers effectiveness. I have been using the Freud mesh ones now for the past year and they do a decent job. As soon as I'm through those, I'm definitely switching.

[@-ZIO]

This is the MOST valuable youtube video I have seen in 2020. Katz-Moses, well done :)

[@johnmonsey2849]

YES! I’ve been telling everyone the 3m “purple paper” is by far the best. I always called it 3m Pro Grade. Had to look at a 15 pack of 120 grit I had laying in the shop to see that it had the “cubitron” logo. I feel SO vindicated now lol

[@3MAbrasives]

Hi John - Thanks for your kind words! It's great to hear how much you love our Cubitron products.

[@lint2023]

@@3MAbrasives Former 3M'er here. My pension starts in 33 days. Happy camper!!!!!!

[@pinkgogoboots]

OMG I needed this information!! So much work u guys put into this video. Thank u so so much🙏🏼.

[@Pauken11]

Your results match my preference in sandpaper. I have been using Mirka Bulldog Gold for years with fantastic results. It produces the most consistent scratch pattern per grit than any other paper I have used. Mirka Rocks!! It produces the best surface I have seen from any sandpaper, and it cuts fast with less heat.

[@timlawrence3906]

Wow! This is great information, especially for a beginner like me. I now know that when I use up my Festool and Diablo discs, I'll be getting the 3M. Way to go with providing such value 3M!

[@Skippy7189]

Great video! I'm a data analysis geek, so I found the data fascinating. Also got my sample of the 3M Cubitron ordered.

[@tylerkrug7719]

I would watch any channel you make, your a cool dude, and the way you present your topics is awesome!

[@chm1701]

Holy hell, I never would have thought that the main brands would have been THAT bad. Plus, I certainly don’t envy 6 straight hours of sanding, but the results are quite shocking. Nice job guys 👍 I got my email for the apron and it was despatched on Thursday. I live in the UK, so it’ll take a while to get here, but I’m really looking forward to it. I can’t wait. Well I can, because I have no choice. Lol.

[@BurginAssociates]

They are tool brands, not primary manufacturers of abrasives like 3M, Norton and Mirka. They buy cheaper material, package it and mark it up.

[@chm1701]

Cliff Burgin. Erm. Okay. Thanks for that.

[@mindyhall4638]

Jonathan - always learn so much from your videos! Thank you for all you do!

[@johnthompson3462]

Great video.We as woodworkers need these as you cannot trust the big companies sales pitch.Well done

[@MichaelAlm]

This is fascinating! Thanks JKM!

[@katzmosestools]

Thanks bud!

[@maxa3221]

incredible video, havent seen much like this. great work

[@PawPawsClan]

Got my sample pack last week and used it for the first time over the weekend. All I can say is MY-Oh-MY, where has this Cubiton II been all my life. I was thoroughly impressed. I mistakenly purchased the 240-420 grits, but, I gotta say it was super. Having trouble finding it in lower grits, and less than a 50pk.

[@mykolashatkovskyi8817]

Jonathan, you're awesome! You succeeded to make such an interesting video out of such a boring topic as sanding! Thank you!

[@bback4078]

Such a great video!! 3M's purple sandpaper has been my favorite for a long time for my palm sander, and I've really liked the 3M Cubitron paper I've had for that sander. I'll make sure to buy some for my orbital. I loved the cost comparison-very helpful!

[@TWworks]

Loved this. I was wondering if sandpaper was just sandpaper or if some are better than others. Thank you very much!

[@MCsCreations]

Fantastic work, Jonathan!!! That's science! 😃 Testing, retesting for confirmation and so on! I love it! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@mclkev]

Amazingly well put together video and great info, so worth watching

[@terrmaso]

Thanks for the great info👍 I was actually thinking about this dilema as my sand paper supply was dwindling. Always helps to know where to get the most bang for your buck.

[@alanr745]

Informative, as always. Jonathan, I think the funniest thing was your bluntness about Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt. If I had to guess, they probably all source their sandpaper from the same low-cost factory somewhere in eastern Asia. That being said, 3M probably does too, but they invest in their QC and QA because abrasives were their original bread and butter (iirc - I could be wrong). Thank you for the info. Once I run out off my Diablo/Freud sandpaper, I'll be paying Tay Tools a visit.

[@thomasalison6188]

Man, this is great information! Looks like Tay Tools is getting more of my money! Looking forward to receiving my apron tomorrow!! 😁

[@ryderscustomcreations3665]

Yay I’m the first to see it!! I’ve been waiting all week for this one! More Sloooooooow mo! And you KNOW I’ll be WATCHing your new channel!

[@MariElle3]

I like this guy's videos. Really helpful and informative.

[@JamesKelly89]

Oh. My. God. I used the 3M stuff last night for the first time on a scrap board and I was able to smooth it out so fast and the discs still look brand new. I used to use the Gator sandpaper that you find at big box stores and I felt like I was going to spend the rest of my life sanding the same board. The 3M Cubitron II stuff is worth every single penny!

[@sizif717]

Awesome review! Thanks! I've figured out a long time ago that Mirka sandpapers are far better that Dewolt, Bosh and Dewolt and buy only them, but now i will give this 3M a try!

[@steve-adams]

I was blown away by 3M paper on my last project. I normally use Diablo, but the store didn't have any 120 or 400 on hand. I absolutely loved both, and I got way, wayyy more life out of the pads. It's rare to find something so much better.

[@cady.moriarty]

Awesome video, J! Super informative as always! I do feel like I'm an outcast now though because sanding is just about the most relaxing part of woodworking for me so far... P.S. I cannot believe you didn't tell us about your watch collection sooner! I have been oogling at Vortic watches since I started my new job, definitely a love I never knew I had. Can't wait for your first upload!

[@adrianabshire]

Just got my new TayTools 4” rule and it is awesome! great build quality! Will be ordering the sample pack of 3M paper asap!

[@michaelduval159]

Love this video I was about to restock my sand paper rack this week

[@HCarpenter]

love this channel

[@katzmosestools]

Thank you my friend

[@treowayne]

Great video. I ordered some 80 and 120 paper from Taylor Toolworks and was very pleased with how well the 3M paper performed. What a bummer that you can't get these sanding discs on stores.

[@dandugan824]

Thanks Jonathan! Always learning stuff here!

[@katzmosestools]

Awesome, thank you!

[@CoffeyCustomBuilds]

Really great info in this, man!

[@Metalbass10000]

THAT was a really useful video! 👍🏼

[@alejomoreno6524]

Not mentioned a lot in the video but the test doc shows a pretty good endorsement for Klingspor! Great video. Love the slo mo clips.

[@katzmosestools]

Although they show good value because they're VERY cheap they have a removal rate many many times slower. That doesn't seem like a good endorsement unless you're the type of woodworker who wishes they could sand for a lot lot longer.

[@alejomoreno6524]

Jonathan Katz-Moses I agree there is really no comparison vs the 3M, but I guess my point is when you compare it against the other alternatives, Klingspor comes out like a decent option. Big fan!

[@tonydelvecchio1431]

Great job at creating new content that adds to the information base

[@daviddailey4959]

I have been using Mirka for several years. Going to check out the 3m.

[@K0NVICTx]

Good video! I'll have to grab some cubitron disks! I have the 3M sheets but didn't know they made disks. I recommend the Router Mats from Kencraft for sanding. Those mats hold your workpiece well and I finish on them as well. I originally saw Dave Piccuto use them on Makesomething channel and one of the hidden gems of my shop

[@brandonhayes1211]

Good video 👍 I enjoyed all the information thanks for doing all the work

[@desertfoxsa]

I have been waiting for weeks. thanks Jonathan

[@larrycurran7005]

Interesting video. I introduced Norton ceramic sandpaper to the commercial hardware I was working at several years ago and had received a demo pack of various types to try out prior to the recommendation. I was very impressed with the results and have used it ever since with excellent results. I am going to purchase the new 3M product to try out and see how much difference there is between the two products. Thanks for the informative video.

[@peterkramer3814]

The one sanding paper I really miss is the new Festool Granat Net. I really would love to see that in comparison to the 3m

[@katzmosestools]

It was compared and didn't do as well. Read the main test

[@maxkaiser9316]

Great topic I've been using diablo for awhile now been happy with it but when it runs out I'll definitely step up to the cubitron thx for all the time and effort that you have been putting in great job 👍

[@waveoflight]

7:55 5 minute removal rate TayTools results on Ash 8:44 Cost per gram removed 5 min Ash 9:30 25 minute intervals Ash 10:06 grams removed in 20 min Katz Moses on Cherry 10:27 Cost/gram removed Ash

[@KOutOfMyYard]

So glad that I watched this,, man oh man always dropping knowledge. Thank you so much

[@kennysoutherland9801]

The link to TayTools testing doc is not working for me either the one posted in the comments, or the one posted on the Katz Moses results spreadsheet.

[@douglassiemens4245]

Thanks for nerding out for us.

[@dennisbradystudios]

Great info thank you. What frustrates me more than stock removal vs cost is the inability of the hook and loop disk staying in place on most sanders. I use both DeWalt and Bosh and it seems that I’m only getting a small fraction of useful time out of the pad nowadays compared to ones that came on sanders only a few years back. I replaced a pad on one of my DeWalts and kept track (as closely as I could) of how long the new hooks lasted and was shocked to find I got less than 10 hours. And that’s with an OEM pad costing around a third the cost of a whole new sander. Never thought I’d say this but maybe a Mirca or Festool is in my future.

[@ocpbmuse]

Literally search for a video like this last week and couldn’t find anything useful. Thanks JKM!

[@RonMarshallrone]

I've been using sandnet the last month. They last a long time and pretty good. Nice video!

[@sprayfe]

Rone Marshall same experience

[@ukaszJasinski]

i'm using cubitron for some time and I'm amazed how fast it works and how long lasts. Also used it on some finish removal and had lower tendecies to get cloged. Didn't know it's also available in sheets though

[@dagragg]

Outstanding video! Or should I say outsanding video! lol Learned a lot from this video. I am certainly going to be reviewing my sand paper choices.

[@helensnz]

Only reason I watched this video about sanding! was because JK-M produced it! And not disappointed either, thank you and cant wait for my apron to arrive Down Under.

[@justcruisin109]

Very interesting so thank you. Looking at the results tells a story I think. Most of these companies would not make their own products so most would be rebadged. There seems to be 3M out the front, a second group and a third poorly performing group. I was interested because I have Mirka and Festool disks which both seem to be in the middle group. There would be some variability due to density of the abrasive, glue used and the backing material and so on but the results are fairly consistent. Cheers

[@steadfasttherenowned2460]

Its mind blowing when you go from bad sandpaper to amazing sandpaper.

[@sisyphushappyxvx]

Bosch rep: "Oh great, JKM is talking about Bosch stuff; maybe we can do a sponsored video together" *WATCHES VIDEO IN UTTER HORROR* Great video!

[@katzmosestools]

Hahahaha I am locking my doors tonight

[@AlainPilon]

Bocsh has terrible social media management team. I dont like saying that because it sounds like a generalization but European brands seem to not understand how KZbin impact their business. Festool is starting to dip their toes but Felder is totally absent, Bosch is a joke, etc...

[@trbarnett]

Great review and I know that SUCKED....so thank you! Just replenished my supply from Taytools and they shipped the same day. Been using Diablo from HD for some time and while it does the job, it just doesn’t last. Looking forward to giving the 3M a go. As always, great video and review.

[@AntConboy]

Amazing video. Great job

[@jeroenverbeeck7925]

Great video,I love this scientific approach

[@sh0cktim3]

Been using the Diablo red sandpaper. It's fairly solid, but after watching Project Farm and this video from you I've got no choice but to give the 3M Cubitron a try.

[@jimbo2629]

I’ve been using silicon carbide paper on wood for decades. Initially “Lubrisil” and subsequently “Tri-M-Ite” from 3M. It cuts well. Leaves a great surface, and lasts an awful long time. Nothing else I have tried comes close. I might try Cubitron, but I’ve got a lifetimes supply of silicon carbide paper.

[@Baziell]

Great video, thanks for the awesome info! Just ordered your apron, only just started woodworking so might aswell get the best apron arounď while supporting the channel.

[@AvilerED]

Just now getting around to watching this. Thanks for the breakdown to both you and Mike. If you are up for it, something I see Stumpy Nubs recommending are DuraGRIT carbide sanding and shaping tools. Would you (or Mike) be willing to do a data dump on that?

[@matthewring9251]

Excellent comparison and 3M now has a new customer. I would rather pay more for quality and durability any day. Good stuff Jonathan

[@施少鹏-i2c]

Agree with u,pay more for quality

[@snooopypooopy1965]

Super excited about the watch channel! I love watches also :D Already subscribed!!

[@jesus9925]

i love this channel man its so helpful

[@katzmosestools]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@nobody3692]

Love to see this test on pine.. Ive had to sand T&G for 10hrs a day for a couple weeks at a time for big houses and do lots of 2"live edge slab projects. Tryed the 3x more expensive ceramic disks and belts, but they dont seem to be much better for the extra cost.. spraying with a dry lube helps a little tho. ill be tryin the 3m cubitron , good vid thanx.

[@GregsGarage]

This confirms my experience... I've always been a mirka and Norton guy. I haven't tried the 3m ceramics, but it looks like I should give them a look.

[@JohnyW87]

I have to agree to the comment before,because I was also thinking,there won’t be that much of a difference,but man thank you to spend youre time on the most boring and annoying part of woodworking to show us this big difference.Thank you.Keep it up

[@martincoppard4651]

Would love to see the comparison to the nets. Ps can’t wait for my jig to turn up and start cutting up. Keep up the good work

[@katzmosestools]

Mike did a few and the Diablo we tested was a net. They're a gimmick plain and simple

[@alexMik317]

@@katzmosestools I've been using Norton mesh disks and they are great - maybe a comparison between mesh brands? My favorite feature is they seem to last way longer than paper disks - but then again I'm not buying those cool 3M ones. (If I go back to paper I'll check those out!)

[@mattv5281]

I have some mesh discs from woodturners wonders. I haven't used them much on wood yet, but they wear out really quickly on non-wood things (metal, paint removal). I know they aren't designed for that, but I was still disappointed in the performance. And I also noticed lots of abrasive grains fall off, which could cause issues like deeper scratches or contamination if you don't get that all off before the next grit. I thought they would do well for paint removal or sanding primer where bits of paint quickly clog regular sandpaper, but the mesh discs still clog the same way, with bits of smooth paint building up on the surface. They can sort of be cleaned by bending them since they are flexible, and some but not all of the paint flakes off. Dust collection wasn't anything special. Based on where dust built up on the disc, it was still mostly being collected in the holes in the sander. I would still give them a chance for the right application. Like I said, I haven't used them much on wood yet.

[@MindlessWanderings]

@@katzmosestools A gimmick that was the best performing aluminium oxide of the tests and seemed to outperform the Norton when life is considered? I'm not trying to say they're the best option or anything but this seems overly dismissive. I also can't see anything (in either report) about their re-usability as most mesh discs are advertised as being cleanable (vacuum or rinse) and I feel that would factor into any cost per gram removal calculation, particularly for hobbyists who may be more willing to extend the life of sandpaper (obviously professionals care more about production efficiency than pure cost efficiency).

[@konaok1]

Great informational video. Thanks for taking the time to make this. Why did you weigh the sander down? I was always taught to let the sandpaper do the work and don't bear down on the tool. I learn so much from your channel, Thanks!

[@katzmosestools]

To mimic the weight of your arm which is anywhere from 6-12 lbs. Cheers my friend

[@susantaylor7152]

Hey, I tested the Mirka and Wounder Weave and they did terrible . The mesh is just not a good substrate for abrasives.

[@patbrouillard3227]

Really informational video thanks for taking the time.