3M Xtract Sandpaper

Everyone knows that sanding is the fun part of woodworking. So sexy (not)! 

But everyone also knows that the key to a beautiful finish on a wooden project requires excellent surface preparation, and for the most part that means sanding. 

I decided to use 3M Xtract TM sandpaper disks to smooth my coffee table and I was blown away with the way it worked. It was new to me, and I really had no expectations going into my sanding session, other than I was confident that I would get reasonable results. 3M makes good products.  

Happily, the Xtract sandpaper disks far exceeded my expectations. I used both the Cubitron II TM version (it features a groovy geometric pattern) and one called a net disc. The sandpaper cut aggressively and allowed for excellent dust collection. Using my 5” Festool RO sander hooked up to a Festool dust extractor there was very little dust particulate to be seen. The dust extraction was noticeably better than any sanding disks I’ve ever used. (And I’ve used them all.) 

I purchased mine in packages that contain two of each of these grits: 80, 120, 180, 220, 240 and 320. The net disk packet was about $8 and the Cubitron II was about $10. I found that to be a good price. 

One reason I believe it to be a good value is that I found the disk to last longer than other sanding disks I have used. I want to be clear here that this is just my impression, I have not done a side-by-side test. But logic alone tells me that by more effectively removing dust while sanding the disks will last longer. (I like the Mirka Abranet disks for the same reason.) But it is my impression that the disk’s construction is more durable than other types I’ve used. 

As far as I can remember, I have never been so moved as to write about sandpaper before. (And this at a time when I can’t even try to leverage advertising from a review. Sheesh!) But I absolutely recommend the Xtract products mentioned here. They are an ultra high-quality product that I will be using again and again.