Abrasives are used in various ways, and come in various grit
sizes, to allow craftsmen to achieve various results. For this reason, it is
important to choose the right type of sandpaper for the project if you want to
get the end result you have in mind. The dimensions, finishes, and other
characteristics are certain elements of a project that require some
consideration in terms of abrasives.
Interestingly enough, there are two types of abrasives,
natural and manufactured. Of course in today’s age, we are most familiar with
the manufactured sandpaper; but throughout history, craftsmen relied on a more
natural means of polishing and shaping their art and objects.
Continue reading
to learn about natural abrasives and how they compare to the manufactured ones
used today.
Natural Abrasives
In history, sandpaper sheets didn’t exist. So how did the
builders and craftsmen achieve the incredible and artful work we see in books
and museums today? The answer is natural abrasives. Natural rock and other mineral
elements were the go-to tools for sanding and polishing. These minerals
included flint, garnet, corundum, and of course, sand. Today, sandpaper grit is
actually made from many of these materials combined in aggregate form. Before
the 19th century, sand stone was actually cut and shaped into
wheels, attached to a spindle, and could be manually operated to sand objects
like tools and weapons. Today, this is similar to using a grinding wheel and
sanding machine. By the late 19th century, craftsmen caught on and
created an actual grinding wheel, more similar to the ones we see today. But as
the industrial revolution advanced, people began to notice that the natural
minerals were not very reliable or effective for the purposes they needed them
for. So in comes manufactured abrasives.
Manufactured Abrasives
At the start of the 20 century, the world of abrasives were
revolutionized. In an attempt to synthesize diamonds, Dr. Edward G. Acheson
accidentally invented a new type of abrasive that proved to be highly effective
for woodworking. And today we call this abrasive silicone carbide. A few years
later, another ambitious fellow by the name of Charles Jacobs, used an electric
arc furnace to successfully fuse bauxite to make another effective abrasive
called Aluminum Oxide-perfect for metal working.
Sandpaper America
Call Sandpaper America at 1-800-860-SAND for
information and advice about buying abrasives
and sanding products. We offer a wide inventory of online sanding products
at the most competitive prices! Our inventories stay full with the
highest-quality abrasives and sandpaper products for any type of project.
Online ordering is simple and hassle-free, and we even provide bulk orders,
custom orders, and more. Call 1-800-860-7263 (SAND) to order sandpaper products
online, today!
