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Sandpaper at the lathe

Joined
Aug 22, 2022
Messages
157
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202
Location
Kenton, OH
I was wondering if anyone could share a pic or two of how you keep your sandpaper handy at the lathe for best efficiency?
During numurous "shop tours" on you tube I don't really notice any sandpaper out and in a handy to use place.
I ponder such things as I try to figure out how to be more efficient while sanding and going through the grits , while at the same time staying somewhat organized.
Thanks.
 
I have 3 of these storage containers. One for 3” discs, one for 2” discs, and a third for various speed lock pads from Woodturners Wonders. Additionally I have a set of ~2” verticals shelves for 8x11 sheets of sandpaper from ~80grit to ~1000grit - I fold these in half and rip, half again etc until I have small rectangles that I fold and use when not power sanding.
 

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I have a small homemade vertical rack mounted to the wall next to me. It has small shelves for 1/4 sheet size paper, but now I cut sheets into 1/8 sheet size. It feels like it makes a pack of paper go farther. Folded into thirds, you really use the full piece, not just working around the edges. They're easy to cut with a set of thin rips and a base with a sort of fence.

It's convenient and close, but it does collect shavings sometimes. I should probably have doors or at least a drape/curtain, but never got that far.

I've been trying to get into the habit of putting tools on a rolling utility cart instead of the lathe bed. It has a large drawer and I've considered making (or buying) something to divide it up for different grit sheets, disks etc. I dream of all kinds of improvements, but most of the times I get over there and just want to turn. (but I'm learning that I can save some projects/tasks for completion at home)
 
I have a workbench across from the lathes and the top drawer has compartments I found on Amazon for the 2 3/8" discs I get from Vince's. It's about 4 1/2 feet away but opened, I just have to turn around and grab. Rolls I keep on the wall behind the lathe (for pens).



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