Consumables, rolocs, flap wheels, etc.

[signcrafter]

I've always had a drawer of random consumables that I've picked up over the years. some rolocs, but since they usually come in a box of 25 and aren't cheap I just have few styles/grits and use for everything. Then have some flap drum sanders for my die grinders. And some other stuff like wire wheels. But I would like to stock up and order a bunch of consumables to have and use the right ones so they last longer and have what I need when I need it.

Mainly I use them for cleaning up things like spindle bores when changing hubs, U joint yokes for new U joints, brake calipers and wheel hubs, diff housings and covers, etc.

Right now I have one or two grits of scotch brite rolocs, some of these sanding drums(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R2YX8WB/?tag=atomicindus08-20) and different wire wheels. I also have the 3m hub cleaning kit for going over the wheel studs to clean the hubs when doing brakes. And some other random stuff.

What roloc discs are you using and for what tasks? In other words what grits of scotch brites and sanding discs do you use for what? What other consumables are you using for different tasks? If you were going to put together a complete drawer of rolocs and other consumables to do the tasks I listed above what all would you order?

 

[GeoBruin]

I'll be honest and say that I probably haven't put as much thought into this as you are in terms of what grits for what tasks. That said, I keep a variety of sanding discs on hand and use them for what intuitively feels like the right purpose during finishing and paint prep in areas I can't deach with a DA sander.

For scotchbrite discs, I feel like medoum grit has just become my go to. It's aggressive enough for mill scale and rust but doesn't score the metal and leave swirl marks when it's spinning fast. Now I'm not talking body panels here. I'm talking structural steel frames and brackets so these aren't show pieces.

All that said, when I find a smokin' deal on Amazon warehouse or benchmark abrasives on another grit, I pick it up just to have it.

 

[Dave455]

Strangely enough, it’s Sunday, the sun’s out, so I’ve just been cleaning up some brake discs! I’m about to start on some sash clamps.

My first weapon of choice (if the part is big enough and the shape is right) is an angle grinder and cup brush, but… not too coarse. Often these cup brushes are sold with very coarse “knotted” steel wire, and for most of what I need that’s too much. I use the finer brush’s as shown, and in most cases I’m ready for paint after these.

I won’t buy, or even use, the cheaper brushes now. They all shed bits of wire or are so unbalanced they’re unpleasant to use. Osborn or Norton are fine, there are others.

If I need a better finish, then of late I’ve been using the 3M Roloc bristle brushes. Love these. Quick to use, very forgiving (no wire to shed) and give a superb finish. I tend to go with green (50 grit?) then white (120grit?) and in most cases leave it at that.

I do pick these up whenever I see them “surplus”, which is quite often. Can’t remember paying full price ever!

 

[slowtwitch73]

Fireball Tool just did a vid on this....

 

[NFH2740]

Polyacyrlic strip disks will quickly remove mill scale without leaving any marks or removing base material.

I find that the course variety work best and last longer. Fine disks are good for removing paint but disintegrate quickly once enough pressure is applied to remove mill scale.

I use them with die and angle grinders.

 

[Sumboodie]

Whatever happens to be on the angle die grinder is what I use.

 

[Jswain]

Resin fibre discs(angle grinder), roloc scotch brite course & medium, roloc bristle disc yellow(medium?), Mix pack of 2"&3"velcro sandpaper, carbide burrs, wire wheels. And either an angle or die grinder for each selection or at least for each attachment, rolocs are quick enough to change out.

I want to get the resin fibre roloc discs next & maybe the surface stripping discs to try them out.

Of course regular grinding discs/cutoff wheels. If I'm doing lots of grinding on welds/sharp metal I try to use the grinding discs on the bulk of it then finish with a resin fibre keeps them lasting a lot longer. If I really want to polish it finish with a roloc scotchbrite. Having everything on its own tool makes this quick