BL

Bill Leonhardt

21/07/2008 8:45 AM

Sandpaper storage

Dear Rec,

If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.

I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
something a little more elegant or user friendly.

So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.

Thanks,

Bill Leonhardt


This topic has 23 replies

Ff

FrozenNorth

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 11:10 PM

Lew Hodgett wrote:

>
> "Bill Leonhardt" wrote:
>
>> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> A cardboard box that once held 12 bottles of wine, and a box of manila
> file folders from the office supply store.
>
> Time for a beer.
>
> If you want to get fancy, buy a 4 high, filing cabinet from a used
> office furniture place.
>
> Install a frame and some Pendeflex, hanging file folders.
>
> Use the bottom 3 drawers for storage of tools, parts, fasteners, etc.
>
> Again, time for a beer.
>
Just don't go back in the shop after the second beer.
;-)

--
Froz...

EB

Ed Bailen

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 12:18 AM

On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:45:44 -0700 (PDT), Bill Leonhardt
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Dear Rec,
>
>If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
>of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
>then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
>have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
>be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
>Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
>I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
>sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
>for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
>something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
>So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bill Leonhardt

I keep my sandpaper in report folders -- the kind that have a pocket
inside each cover. Full sheets go in the left pocket and partial or
used sheets go in the right cover. The face of the cover, near the
spine, is marked with the grit, and it all goes into a Xerox paper box
with the 5" disc boxes, the bulk sheet boxes, and the steel wool bags.
The report folders and bulk sheet boxes are stored on end..

Ed
** Posted from http://www.teranews.com **

Uu

"Upscale"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 5:04 AM


"Rick Samuel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> Here's one i like, keeps pressure on the loose sheets. Make as many
> dividers as you need, just offset each tab. Hard board for dividers, and
> dowels work better then square, each tab can be lifted/tilted up to get a
> sheet or piece

How about a jpg or a gif instead of a Sketchup file?

md

mac davis

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 8:52 PM

On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:45:44 -0700 (PDT), Bill Leonhardt <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Dear Rec,
>
>If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
>of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
>then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
>have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
>be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
>Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
>I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
>sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
>for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
>something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
>So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Bill Leonhardt

As a turner, I use a lot of sandpaper, in grits from 60 to 2,500..

I have 2 systems:

For sheets, I use a store-bought and shop-adapted shelving unit... It's about
12" wide and had four 12x12" shelves..
I added 4 more shelves and divided my paper into "ranges".. such as 180, 220,
240 on 1 shelf..
I buy paper in boxes that open on the end, and stack them 3 or 4 high...
I use a cutter, especially when I'm doing pens, so I get a lot of small strips
left over.. As I tear sheets, I mark the pieces on the back with a sharpie and
pile them on the top box of the shelf that grits in..
I know it's sort of anal, but I want my sandpaper close to the lathe and easy to
get to, without searching for the right grit in a drawer..

I also use a lot of 2" and 3" H&L disks..
I ran strips of "sticky back" H&L in vertical rows on a piece of pegboard (don't
use the holes, but it was available)..
I have a strip for each of the common grits, about 18" long, which the disks
stick to and are easy to reach and detach..

It takes a little time unbagging and sticking the disks up when I get a
shipment, but I feel it's more than worth the time..

Pet peeve: companies that don't print the grit on the back of the disk..
I haven't got the patience or time to try to decide if a disk is 600 or 800, I
just want to get the right grit and stick it on the damn sander..
</rant>


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

an

alexy

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 12:29 PM

Bill Leonhardt <[email protected]> wrote:

>So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.

1) Scrapers <g>
2) Toss in a drawer (No, I'm not happy with the solution, but there it
is.)
3) A box like lee michaels described
4) Store bought version here:
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3180

I like Lee's solution best, but probably won't care enough to take the
[small] trouble to build one.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.

DG

"David G. Nagel"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

23/07/2008 1:20 PM

spaco wrote:
> What's 5.25" mean?
> What's a "floppy disk"?
>
> ---Just kidding. I rememeber 8" floppy disks that stored 32K bytes and
> 10" hard platters that stored 1 megabyte.
>
> Pete Stanaitis
> ------------------

I remember them and 80 col punch cards and wire plugs. Ah the memories...

Dave Nagel



>
> Nova wrote:
>
>> Bill Leonhardt wrote:
>>
>>> Dear Rec,
>>>
>>> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
>>> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
>>> then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
>>> have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
>>> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
>>> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>>>
>>> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
>>> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
>>> for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
>>> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>>>
>>> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>>> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>>> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Bill Leonhardt
>>
>>
>> I use a couple of old 5.25" floppy disk holders. The plastic dividers
>> are marked with the grits.
>>

ss

spaco

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

23/07/2008 10:34 AM

What's 5.25" mean?
What's a "floppy disk"?

---Just kidding. I rememeber 8" floppy disks that stored 32K bytes and
10" hard platters that stored 1 megabyte.

Pete Stanaitis
------------------

Nova wrote:

> Bill Leonhardt wrote:
>
>> Dear Rec,
>>
>> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
>> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
>> then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
>> have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
>> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
>> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>>
>> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
>> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
>> for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
>> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>>
>> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Bill Leonhardt
>
>
> I use a couple of old 5.25" floppy disk holders. The plastic dividers
> are marked with the grits.
>

ss

spaco

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

23/07/2008 4:24 PM

Well, only a few 78's left but there sure is a stack of 45's. I
remember when tv sets had tubes in them other than the picture tube. I
know, I know: "what's a picture tube?"

Pete Stanaitis
----------------

Lew Hodgett wrote:
> "spaco" wrote:
>
>
>>---Just kidding. I rememeber 8" floppy disks that stored 32K bytes
>>and 10" hard platters that stored 1 megabyte.
>
>
> How about your stack of 45's, or were you a 78 type?
>
> Lew
>
>

Lr

"Leon"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 1:57 PM


"Bill Leonhardt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9420752e-49e4-45d6-a3c5-9e2f4d6c714a@x35g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
> Dear Rec,
>
> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
> then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
> have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
> for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Leonhardt

Actually I only buy in bulk and prefer to keep the paper in the container
that it was sold in.

LM

"Lee Michaels"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 12:12 PM


"Bill Leonhardt" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:9420752e-49e4-45d6-a3c5-9e2f4d6c714a@x35g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
> Dear Rec,
>
> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
> then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
> have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
> for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
Sandpaper storage, eh?

Well, the two methods that I have used are either toss all the sandpaper
into a drawer or into a stacking bin.

The stacking bin is simply a box with a big cutout in front. Then cut a
bunch of masonite (hardboard) to fit. Put your different grits/types into
different levels and stack them in the box. You keep track of everything by
putting the new sandpaper, still in the package, into each section.


BA

B A R R Y

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 4:39 PM

alexy wrote:
> Bill Leonhardt <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
> 1) Scrapers <g>
> 2) Toss in a drawer (No, I'm not happy with the solution, but there it
> is.)
> 3) A box like lee michaels described
> 4) Store bought version here:
> http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=3180
>

5.) Stack it all face down in a drawer, with 9"x12" hardboard separators
between grits and on top.

It works for me, and was cheap and easy to set up. Grabbing the correct
grit is easy, since they're in order, 40 on the bottom, 400 on the top.

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 11:05 PM


"Bill Leonhardt" wrote:

> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.

A cardboard box that once held 12 bottles of wine, and a box of manila
file folders from the office supply store.

Time for a beer.

If you want to get fancy, buy a 4 high, filing cabinet from a used
office furniture place.

Install a frame and some Pendeflex, hanging file folders.

Use the bottom 3 drawers for storage of tools, parts, fasteners, etc.

Again, time for a beer.


--
Regards,


Lew Hodgett
Box 2302
Whittier, CA, 90610-2302
E-Mail: [email protected]

LM

"Lee Michaels"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 7:36 PM


"Lew Hodgett" wrote
>
> "Bill Leonhardt" wrote:
>
>> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> A cardboard box that once held 12 bottles of wine, and a box of manila
> file folders from the office supply store.
>
> Time for a beer.
>
> If you want to get fancy, buy a 4 high, filing cabinet from a used office
> furniture place.
>
> Install a frame and some Pendeflex, hanging file folders.
>
> Use the bottom 3 drawers for storage of tools, parts, fasteners, etc.
>
> Again, time for a beer.
>

Is all that cleaning and organizing making you thirsty?


Nn

Nova

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 9:35 PM

Bill Leonhardt wrote:
> Dear Rec,
>
> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. But
> then storing them becomes a challange. In the same spirit, I seem to
> have that problem with sandpaper. A lightly used quarter sheet must
> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
> for each grit size. A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
> sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Leonhardt

I use a couple of old 5.25" floppy disk holders. The plastic dividers
are marked with the grits.

--
Jack Novak
Buffalo, NY - USA
[email protected]

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

23/07/2008 9:36 PM


"spaco" wrote:

> remember when tv sets had tubes in them other than the picture tube.
> I know, I know: "what's a picture tube?"


Many people may not be aware of the fact that tube manufacturers only
built a few specific tubes other than picture tubes, then private
labeled them and swapped those with other manufacturers for the rest
of the line.

Lew

RC

Robatoy

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 12:10 PM

On Jul 21, 11:45=A0am, Bill Leonhardt <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dear Rec,
>
> If you are like me, you often find yourself with lots of scrap pieces
> of wood that have too much future potential to just throw away. =A0But
> then storing them becomes a challange. =A0In the same spirit, I seem to
> have that problem with sandpaper. =A0A lightly used quarter sheet must
> be saved, although the "lightly used" definition tends to fluctuate.
> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
> I once encountered an instructor in a WoodCraft store that stored his
> sandpaper in a small file folder box (maybe 10"x12"x6") with a folder
> for each grit size. =A0A reasonable approach, but I'm searching for
> something a little more elegant or user friendly.
>
> So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
> describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
> sheet sandpaper. =A0Please chime in.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Bill Leonhardt

I go through about 20 -30 6" discs of varying grit on an average day
and toss them in the trash when I'm done with them. The 5" ones I keep
in groups of four as the come off the machine for future use. I number
them and put them on top of the box the originals came in.

md

mac davis

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 8:54 PM

On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 23:05:28 GMT, "Lew Hodgett" <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Bill Leonhardt" wrote:
>
>> Again, storing the sandpaper is a bit of a challange.
>
>A cardboard box that once held 12 bottles of wine, and a box of manila
>file folders from the office supply store.
>
>Time for a beer.
>
>If you want to get fancy, buy a 4 high, filing cabinet from a used
>office furniture place.
>
>Install a frame and some Pendeflex, hanging file folders.
>
>Use the bottom 3 drawers for storage of tools, parts, fasteners, etc.
>
>Again, time for a beer.

but, can you remember where you store the beer?


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

23/07/2008 3:41 PM


"spaco" wrote:

> ---Just kidding. I rememeber 8" floppy disks that stored 32K bytes
> and 10" hard platters that stored 1 megabyte.

How about your stack of 45's, or were you a 78 type?

Lew

TD

Tim Douglass

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

21/07/2008 12:11 PM

On Mon, 21 Jul 2008 08:45:44 -0700 (PDT), Bill Leonhardt
<[email protected]> wrote:

>So, I'm hoping to start a discussion (thread) on the REC where people
>describe storage systems they are happy with for sheets and pieces of
>sheet sandpaper. Please chime in.

Is "all over the damn shop" a system? I have new and used sheets of
sandpaper just about everywhere. Never can find what I need when I
need it and never seem to get around to getting organized to resolve
that problem. Of course that's the way my tool and wood organization
works as well, so at least I'm consistent.

--
"We need to make a sacrifice to the gods, find me a young virgin... oh, and bring something to kill"

Tim Douglass

http://www.DouglassClan.com

md

mac davis

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 8:29 AM

On Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:04:03 -0500, "Upscale" <[email protected]> wrote:

>
>"Rick Samuel" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> Here's one i like, keeps pressure on the loose sheets. Make as many
>> dividers as you need, just offset each tab. Hard board for dividers, and
>> dowels work better then square, each tab can be lifted/tilted up to get a
>> sheet or piece
>
>How about a jpg or a gif instead of a Sketchup file?
>
YES!
I was going to download Sketchup until I saw the HUGE file size..
Not on my web connection..


mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 12:18 AM

"Lee Michaels" wrote:

> Is all that cleaning and organizing making you thirsty?

I put cleaning and shoveling snow in the same category as follows:

What the good lord puteth, he shall also taketh.

As far as thirst is concerned, being a sailor, any port in a storm
works for me, and there is ALWAYS a storm SOMEPLACE<G>.


--
Regards,


Lew Hodgett
Box 2302
Whittier, CA, 90610-2302
E-Mail: [email protected]

BA

B A R R Y

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 5:38 PM

Nova wrote:
>
>
> I use a couple of old 5.25" floppy disk holders. The plastic dividers
> are marked with the grits.

Great idea for something I constantly see in the trash.

LH

"Lew Hodgett"

in reply to Bill Leonhardt on 21/07/2008 8:45 AM

22/07/2008 4:22 AM


"mac davis" wrote:


> but, can you remember where you store the beer?

A sailor forgetting when the cold beer is located?


Sir, surely you jest!

Regards,

Lew Hodgett
Box 2302
Whittier, CA, 90610-2302
E-Mail: [email protected]


You’ve reached the end of replies