Replies

1. 
   Flathumb | Feb 20, 2003 09:48pm | #1

   When it comes to construction, I'm a DIY-er, not a pro....I hate drywall with a passion but architecture pays well enough for me to have to do it myself.  I have been using 220 grit sanding screens with a vacuum attachment handle that sucks up most of the dust.  It's clean, but it scores the mud a LOT.  I have to go back with sandpaper to clean up the score lines.

   This problem is undoubtedly my inexperience, but since you got the thread going I'd also like to hear what youse pro guys do with sanding screens.  And dust collection?

1. 
   ken1putt | Feb 20, 2003 11:22pm | #4

   Blue, after fighting with the lines in the mud, I finally figured out that sanding at 45 degrees to the the mesh virutally does away with them.

   I use a Goldblatt vacuum sanding head, and I ALWAYS make my sanding motion at 45 degrees to the handle.  For working in corners, I use a diagonal stroke that moves the pad in and out of the corner.

   I haven't had to go back and "undo" a job in a long time.

   K-

   -

   "Arguing with anonymous strangers on the Internet is a sucker's game because they almost always turn out to be -- or to be indistinguishable from -- self righteous sixteen-year-olds posessing infinite amounts of free time." - Neil Stephenson, Cryptonomicon

2. 
   CAGIV | Feb 20, 2003 10:03pm | #2

   I'm not a drywaller, but often get the luxury or touching up after the drywalls guys are done and gone but not finished.

   The screens are better if you have a large area to sand because they don't clog up as paper does.  150 grit in a circular motion keeps from getting to many lines.  Every now and then and then beat the sander on the floor a little it will clear out the dust  For small patches you cant beat a sanding sponge.

   On another note if your paying 2 bucks a screen that seems high, we get ours for about a  buck to a buck and quarter. 

   Just noticed your buying 2 packs, if your going to use more then just 2 buy a ten pack its much cheaper

   Nother side note.  If your getting a lot of line, or gouges when sanding, your pushing to hard on the sander, lighten up on the pressure let the paper or screen work for you.

   View ImageGo Jayhawks

   
   

   ---

   Edited 2/20/2003 2:15:46 PM ET by CAG

1. 
   billyg83440 | Feb 20, 2003 11:18pm | #3

   Thanks,

   Forgot the sanding sponge thing. I bought one for doing corners, thought I was probably buying a gimmick when I got it, but man does that thing work good. Have to be careful how you hold it, or you put finger holes in it, but it sure cleans the inside corners up fast.

   I buy 2 packs, because that's all I've ever seen. Though, I don't do much drywall. Think I'm on my second pack for the last 3 years or so. Bought them at walmart, because the local yard didn't have them after someone recommended I try them. Maybe they carry them now. I'm gonna be doing a lot more drywall in the next couple years, a 10 pack would be a good idea.

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 21, 2003 02:42am | #6

   I just looked amazon has them for 12 something for the ten pack, buy two and you dont pay shipping, at least they used to have free shipping on anything over 25View ImageGo Jayhawks

1. 
   PhillGiles | Feb 21, 2003 03:12am | #7

   I dunno, sounds to me you guys are paying a lot, I just bought a 10-pack of 220 screen at HD for C$9.97 (roughly US$6.50). I also use the big drywall sponges on patches.

   When you say "sanding sponges", do you mean the foam blocks with grit on all sides, or the sponges with a grit on 1 face ? The two-sided blocks come in 6-packs..

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario

1. 
   CAGIV | Feb 21, 2003 03:57am | #8

   We get the ones with grit on all four sides.View ImageGo Jayhawks

2. 
   billyg83440 | Feb 21, 2003 04:51am | #9

   Guess I should look at HD. Don't get over there too often. Don't think I've ever looked at their abrasives.

   Sure aren't cheap at Walmart.

3. 
   Zano | Feb 21, 2003 12:30am | #5

   "Fine" emery cloth, that's what I only use after trying the mesh screen, regular 220 sandpaper, etc.    The "fine" emery cloth does not clog, lasts about 15 times longer than the regular sandpaper and it's tough - does not tear on the 4 corners of the  sander..  Each costs about $1.45.

   After the emery cloth is broken in, about 4 sheets, no scratching of the light mud and holding it on a 45 agle it just glides.

   Tip for sanding poles:  The Wallboard  woods pole sanders are too heavy!  Home Depot sells the  Wallboard plastic sanders and at the paint department they have a light pole - about 1/4 the weight of the wood pole and metal sander.  No vaccum system - never tried it - I just use a respirator!

4. 
   RoyinMD | Feb 21, 2003 05:23am | #10

   I hate drywall sanding, I'm not a pro, I've done a 3 room dormer with closets and a few other rooms in my house that were so bad I had to paste the entire room to repair/patch and get it ready to paint.

   I bought the vacuum head that Blue mentioned along with a water filltration system. I called it the drywall dust bong for lack of a better name. Its basically a drywall bucket and lid, half filled with water, dust hose goes into the water and the top hose goes to the shop vac. Fantastic tool, takes care of about 80 to 90% of the dust. A bit of a pain in the butt to clean but sure beats the alternative. Saves a lot on shop vac filters and cleaning, much less, not killing it.

   Oh, 220 fiber mess, straight at first and finish in circles.

   Enjoy, Roy

1. 
   PhillGiles | Feb 21, 2003 06:24am | #11

   I've seen a couple of those rigs, locally they call them hookas..

   Phill Giles

   The Unionville Woodwright

   Unionville, Ontario