(1) Abrasives are fastened to paper, cloth, or fiber and are available in sheets, belts, or discs
for use on sanders. The following are the weights and uses for paper- and cloth-backed abrasives:
(a) Paper-backed abrasive comes in four popular weights that are designated as A, C, D,
and E:
A is soft and flexible and is used where flexibility is desired.
C and D are thicker and are used where flexibility is not necessary.
E is heavier and is used mostly for machine sanding.
(b) Cloth-backed abrasive comes in two weights, J and X:
J is used with emery for hand sanding.
X is used mostly with power tools.
(2) In the past, manufacturers listed their abrasives by a complicated number system. A
newer system labels the paper grades by terms such as fine, medium, and coarse. You will find both
systems in use today. In the left column, of Table 3-1, page 3-8, is a list of the new label grades. The
relating old number grades are found in the middle and right columns for garnet, aluminum-oxide, and
flint. Use Table 3-2, page 3-8, to select the correct abrasive type and size when selecting abrasives
based on a work surface or an intended use.
3-7
EN0562
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