Sandpaper/Tools
Q: I just purchased something that requires a 25mm hole. Where can I buy metric drill bits?
A: Häfele offers a complete range of metric drill bits, such as Forstner-style bits, twist bits, brad point bits and even left hand drill bits. Most of our bits are shown in the "The Complete Häfele" catalog.
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Q: What's the difference between your Carbo Gold and Premier Red sandpaper?
A: The Carbo Gold products use light brown Aluminum Oxide (A/O), and are a great all-around the shop paper. The Premier Red products are made of heat-treated Aluminum Oxide (A/O), which holds it's "edge" longer and cuts 30-50% faster than other A/O products.
We also now offer a new Premier Red product that's made with Zirconia Alumina (Like those Purple belts you've seen) which really has an extended life. So which do you choose? If you'd rather sand than change paper, go with the Premier Red, otherwise save a few cents and buy the Gold.
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Q: I've heard that sandpaper with a stearate can cause problems with finishes, yet most of the abrasives that you have in your catalogs say that they have a stearate. Am I missing something?
A: The purpose of the stearate on any abrasive product is to act as a lubricant, to keep the sanding dust or "swarf", as it's called, moving away from the paper. This helps your paper last longer, and cut more effectively.
A few of the problems some customers have had with stearates in the past include colored stearates that transfer color onto the wood, and even oil-based stearates that cause finishing problems you are concerned about. In most cases these problems occurred when someone got a deal on some surplus abrasives that were made for metal or stone grinding, but were either confused or theypassed off as woodworking sandpaper. At any rate, all of the sandpaper that we stock has a undyed stearate oversize. This means it was applied over the abrasives, not under, was designed for use in the woodworking industry, and the stearate is safe for use on items that will be finished with either oil or water based finishes.
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