Thread: Mirka Sanding Mesh

If you are getting little circular swirl marks it’s more likely a combination of the sander itself and your technique. If I press down too hard with my ROS I get the swirls.

Lighter sanders seem to be more prone to swirling than heavier ones.

Originally Posted by Chief Tiff

If you are getting little circular swirl marks it’s more likely a combination of the sander itself and your technique. If I press down too hard with my ROS I get the swirls.

Lighter sanders seem to be more prone to swirling than heavier ones.

Festool sander and I am not aware of a technique change

Can't help with your specifics, but just to say I use Sianet with zero problems. Never had marks etc within sane normal use...

I think you might just need to go to a finer grit; black is the WORST colour because every single defect in the surface will catch the light and show up.

Originally Posted by elanjacobs

I think you might just need to go to a finer grit; black is the WORST colour because every single defect in the surface will catch the light and show up.

Osmo doesn’t like anything less than 120g [emoji15]


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Originally Posted by Damienol

Osmo doesn’t like anything less than 120g

Then the only thing I can suggest is to either find a different finish that will allow you to go finer or don't use black stain.

120 grit will leave swirlies and black will show them, I don't know of any way around that

I’ve switched to using Abranet more than Festool papers. I’ve not had a problem with the curlies (hmm-perhaps I could have expressed that better) but then I always finish to at least 240.
My setup is Abranet+ Festool ETS + CT26 extractor. Finishes are usually NC lacquer, shellac, Osmo or Tru-Oil.

Regards,

Brian

Are you using a pad saver type thing between the mesh and your sander? I found I was getting swirlies with a mesh because the pad saver covered up some of the extraction holes. Using 'normal' paper and no pad saver - no issues.

Edit: I've sanded to 180 and 240 and Osmo applied fine. There's an Osmo thin as well that might penetrate better at higher grits - it's recommended for dense timbers like spotted gum.

I Have a Mirka fittted with a pad saver and have had the swirlies on a few occasions with the Abranet but can't pinpoint why. Have never had it happen with a paper pad, even a clogged one.

A little off topic but i think the Abranet are overrated, in my experience they last no longer than the paper version.

I have used Mirka on a ros for ever and don't find it to make any marks in use.

Originally Posted by double.d

I Have a Mirka fittted with a pad saver and have had the swirlies on a few occasions with the Abranet but can't pinpoint why. Have never had it happen with a paper pad, even a clogged one.

A little off topic but i think the Abranet are overrated, in my experience they last no longer than the paper version.

Interesting observations.

I cant get away from using the black stain so perhaps I need ti experiment with some left over Festool papers.


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I always final sand with the Mirka hand sander, same grit as the finest I use on the ros. Final sand along the grain. 180grit.

Originally Posted by Damienol

Osmo doesn’t like anything less than 120g [emoji15]

One solution can be to sand up to a finer grit with the ROS, then do a finishing sand by hand with the grain at 120. This ensures the finish is smooth and free of swirls, but gives the right texture for the Osmo

Osmo told me 120 on harder timbers, 180 on softer timbers like pine for the polyX. On a side note - after the disappointing result, I won’t be using it again.