Tweeten Cue Top Sander Grit Size

[algebraist]

I have a Tweeten "Rapid Cue Top Sander" for making sure that the top of the ferrule is properly squared off before replacing the tip. It came with a very coarse grit sandpaper -- 50. That leaves some grooves in the top of the ferrule, which perhaps helps the tip adhere better, so is perhaps on purpose. But it makes me nervous. Should I replace the sandpaper with something finer before using it, and if so what would you recommend. Thanks.

 

[Maniac]

I have a Tweeten "Rapid Cue Top Sander" for making sure that the top of the ferrule is properly squared off before replacing the tip. It came with a very coarse grit sandpaper -- 50. That leaves some grooves in the top of the ferrule, which perhaps helps the tip adhere better, so is perhaps on purpose. But it makes me nervous. Should I replace the sandpaper with something finer before using it, and if so what would you recommend. Thanks.

I just now went and checked mine............it has 120 grit on it. I feel like the 120 grit is at the outside range of being too fine, so 100 to 120 grit seems to be about the perfect range, at least imo.

I've never had a problem with the top of the ferrule being too rough.

Maniac

 

[Blue Hog ridr]

Maniac is right. 120 is about the coarsest you would need to not damage your ferrule. Anything finer will work ok too.

If you are ever at a hardware store and see a little mechanics metal pocket rule for a buck, buy one.
They are excellent to lay across the top of your ferrule to see that it has been sanded level.

Even when I face a ferrule off on the lathe, I still use the metal rule to see that it is square.

 

[algebraist]

Thank you both -- I will swap in some 120. It's disappointing that Tweeten would ship it with an inappropriately coarse grit. Oh well. Thanks again.

 

[lfigueroa]

I have a Tweeten "Rapid Cue Top Sander" for making sure that the top of the ferrule is properly squared off before replacing the tip. It came with a very coarse grit sandpaper -- 50. That leaves some grooves in the top of the ferrule, which perhaps helps the tip adhere better, so is perhaps on purpose. But it makes me nervous. Should I replace the sandpaper with something finer before using it, and if so what would you recommend. Thanks.

The thing about the sander is to use a coarse grade to efficiently remove what's left of the old tip you've cut off with a utility knife. But once you start getting close to the ferrule you want to change grades to something pretty smooth, like maybe 600. If you're using any kind of half decent glue you don't need to put threads in the ferrule to make the tip stick. Too coarse and you'll chip the ferrule (I know).

And oh yes, *never* (not ever) use one of these with anything coarser than 600 on an ivory ferrule. In fact I might even go finer if I absolutely had to use one of these on ivory.

Lou Figueroa

 

[algebraist]

Thanks, Lou. Now I get it. The coarse grit is appropriate for removing what's left of the old tip. Once you get close to the ferrule, you have to switch to a fine grit. Makes sense...