AbrasiveStore.com

Frequently Asked Questions

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General F.A.Q.s

What methods of payments do you accept?
All payments are handled via SecureNet or Paypal for a secure payment process.
What are your shipping policies?

AbrasiveStore.com ships to the USA only. All in stock orders placed before 2:00 pm EST are shipped the same day Monday - Friday. Orders received on the weekend will be shipped the next business day. If the item is not in stock it will be brought into our warehouse for delivery via UPS or Fedex. Some items may take 2 to 4 weeks plus, for them to ship from the manufacturer.

Shipping charges are calculated based on the dollar amount purchased. AbrasiveStore.com will pay the freight on orders over $500.00.

AbrasiveStore.com ships all orders via UPS or Fedex. If UPS or Fedex delivery to your location is not available, we will ship via United States Postal Service Priority Mail. We can only guarantee shipments and provide tracking numbers for UPS or Fedex shipments. AbrasiveStore.com will not be liable for any lost or misplaced mail if the item was shipped via the United States Postal Service. We suggest you use a physical address (instead of a P.O. Box) so that your order can be shipped via UPS or Fedex and be tracked by a tracking number. We do not ship orders C.O.D.

How do I track my order?

Tracking information will usually be emailed to you the day your item ships. If for some reason your order is shipped via US Mail, you will not receive a tracking number or confirmation and the shipment cannot be guaranteed.

What is your return policy?

We strive to guarantee you, our customers, are happy with the products that you purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, please follow the instructions below for returns.

To process your request as efficiently and quickly as possible please provide the following information when requesting an RGA #:
  • Order # or Invoice #
  • Your Name
  • Address
  • Part #
  • Description of Item
  • Reason for Return
  • Your Name
  • Telephone Number
  • Email Address
  • Any other information that might pertain to the return of the item.

Email return requests to for a Return Goods Authorization number (returns will not be accepted unless accompanied by this number).

  • All returned tools must be in excellent unused condition in their original packaging with original content and are subject to a restocking fee. If the tool is used and the manufacturer will accept the tool, we will accept the returned tool subject to a restocking fee. If the manufacturer does not accept the returned tool, we will return the tool to you and no credit will be given.
  • All returns must be in excellent condition in their original packaging and shipped to the address stated in the email request with the RGA number and are subject to a 15% restocking fee.
  • Always include a copy of your invoice or packing slip, do not include original.
  • Discrepancy claims must be made within 72 hours of receipt of item.
  • The original shipping cost will not be refunded unless it is our error.
  • Return shipping is your expense unless otherwise noted in the Returns Good Authorization.
  • Materials must be returned within 15 days from date of shipment.
  • Special manufactured products are not returnable.

Credits - Credit will be issued via SecureNet or Paypal (based upon how your order was placed) after we receive, inspect, and process your return. All returns for credit must be received with a valid Return Goods Authorization (RGA#) Number.

Do you offer a warranty on products?

Our products are warranted to be free from defects. Many manufacturers have warranties that we will honor as long as the manufacturer does. Our obligation to the customer will be at our option to replace any portion proven defective or to refund the purchase price thereof. The customer assumes all other risks if any. The customer shall determine the suitability of the product for its intended use. There is no other warranty expressed or implied, no other deviation is authorized. In no event shall AbrasiveStore.com be liable for any special, incidental or consequential damages (included but not limited to loss of profits).

All products listed shall be used in accordance with safety regulations set by OSHA and by the directive described by The American National Safety Institute B7.1 1978 covering wheels, speeds, safety guards, eye and face protection, flanges, and mounting procedures. The operator has to be thoroughly familiar with the above before using the product.

All items are subject to prior sale. Prices are subject to change without notice. AbrasiveStore.com is not responsible for typographical errors.

What are your security policies?

We understand that shopping online can make you feel risky and uncertain. Where does your information go? How can you be sure that someone out there with a computer can't intercept your credit card numbers? Because your credit card security is our highest priority, AbrasiveStore.com uses SecureNet or Paypal for payment processing depending on which process you select at checkout. We do not gather any information other than your Name, Address, Phone #, and Email Address in the event that we need to contact you. We will never sell your information to anyone.

 

Application & Technical F.A.Q.s

What are the basic raw materials used in manufacture of coated abrasives?
  1. Grain - a synthetic or natural abrasive
  2. Bond - an adhesive that permanently bonds the backing to the abrasive
  3. Backing - a backing that the abrasive is bonded to
What are the different coated abrasive grain types and their characteristics?
  1. Aluminum Oxide - Aluminum Oxide is brown or reddish in color and a man-made abrasive. It is durable with tough cutting edges. It offers long life and is highly wear resistant even under stress applications. Its applications include aluminum, ferrous metals (including alloy steel), hardwood, and leather.
  2. Crocus - Crocus is reddish brown in color. It is a soft material made from iron oxide. It is the finest natural grain produced. Its applications include cleaning and extremely fine polishing of soft materials such as gold.
  3. Emery - Emery is a dark gray round-shaped natural grain. It is better used as a polishing grain than a cutting grain. It is used for cleaning and polishing metals.
  4. Flint - Flint is a low cost white crystalline nonconductive mineral. It is only available with a paper backing. It is used for low-pressure hand applications, paint removal, and sanding in the electrical motor industry.
  5. Garnet - Garnet is a reddish brown natural grain. It is relatively sharp and has a medium hardness. Its durability cannot be compared to that of synthetic abrasives. It is used for finishing applications in soft woods such as fir or pine.
  6. Silicon Carbide - Silicon Carbide is black in color. It is a sharp, hard synthetic abrasive. Its friable grains fracture to continually expose new cutting edges and permit fast stock removal. Its applications include aluminum, bronze, non-ferrous metals, and non-metallics such as glass, plastic, rubber and soft woods.
  7. White Aluminum Oxide - White Aluminum Oxide is a friable man-made abrasive. Its sharp, cool cutting edges easily break down under pressure to expose new cutting edges. Its applications include non-ferrous metal finishing and production wood sanding.
  8. Zirconia Alumina - Zirconia Alumina is a bluish gray / green colored ultra rugged synthetic abrasive. It has large fracture planes and is a sharper, more blocky grain than aluminum oxide. It self-sharpens as it cuts and is available only in coarser grits. It is used for heavy duty grinding on all ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and rough planing of wood products.
  9. Ceramic - Ceramic is an orangish/red color most aggressive abrasive. It is a self sharpening grain that provides a more aggressive cut than other abrasive grains. It continuously forms new sharp edges during the grinding process. It is engineered to produce high amounts of stock removal, with being the best metal stock removal product on the market today, ceramic grain also has the reputation of being the toughest and longest lasting. It is used for grinding on hard materials like stainless and many other metals.
What different types of abrasive bonds are used in coated abrasives?
  1. Glue - A system where both coats are made of animal glue is used when the strength of the bond is not an important factor, such as with lightweight papers and materials.
  2. Phenolic Resin - This system uses full phenolic resin for both coats. It is designed to withstand moisture and heat during application and is the most durable adhesion available.
  3. Resin over Glue - A system where the make coat is animal glue, and the size coat is either urea or phenolic resin. It is used when more strength and heat resistance is necessary.
  4. Urea Resin - Both coats are resin-based in this system. Urea resin withstands more frictional heat than normal glue adhesives, but not as much extreme heat as phenolic resin.
What different types of backings are used in coated abrasives?
  1. Cloth Backings - There are two types of cloth backing available. Cotton backing is flexible and lightweight, but not waterproof. Polyester backing is stronger than cotton. It is waterproof, fray resistant and absorbs shock. Cloth backings come in various weights.
    • "X" Weight - This string heavy cloth, also called drills, is recommended for all ordinary machine sanding operations.
    • "J" Weight - This flexible, lightweight cloth, also called jeans, is used where more flexibility is needed, such as with contour sanding.
    • "F" Weight - This highly flexible, lightweight jeans cloth is used when extreme flexibility is desired.
    • "Y" Weight - This extremely heavy duty drills cloth is used for tough applications.
  2. Fibre Backings - Fibre is a hard, durable material with great mechanical strength. It is used to make resin fibre discs.
  3. Paper Backings - Different paper weights, designated by letters, are available for different applications.
    • "A" Weight - This light touch 40# paper is primarily used in finishing operations where fine grits are required.
    • "C" Weight - This medium light 70# paper is used when some pliability and strength are required. It can be used in folded or flat areas and is ideal for cabinetwork. This backing is available in fine to medium grits.
    • "D" Weight - This medium heavy 90# paper is available in medium and coarse grits.
    • "E" Weight - This strong 130# paper is used for belts, discs, rolls and very coarse sheets.
    • "F" Weight - This 165# paper is used for narrow and wide belts, metal and crankshaft polishing rolls, and cabinet and furniture industries.
What are the basic raw materials of nonwoven abrasives?
  1. Grain - a synthetic or natural abrasive
  2. Fiber Weave - choice fibers are polyester or nylon
  3. Resin System - a bonding system that impregnates the fiber weave with grain
What grains are used in nonwoven material?
  1. Aluminum Oxide - Aluminum Oxide is brown or reddish in color and a man-made abrasive. It is durable with tough cutting edges. It offers long life and is highly wear resistant even under stress applications.
  2. Silicon Carbide - Silicon Carbide is black in color. It is a sharp, hard synthetic abrasive. Its friable grains fracture to continually expose new cutting edges and permit fast stock removal. It cuts fast and produces finer scratch patterns.
How do nonwoven abrasives work?
Nonwoven abrasives provide a controlled, sustained stock removal process. The "open weave" three-dimensional material construction provides a continuous supply of new grain when fiber and old grain wear away. The flexible "spring" design reduces the chance of undercutting or gouging a work product. Nonwoven abrasives can be divided into two categories:
  1. Clean & Finish - Nonwoven clean & finish products are generally hand-operated. They are not as strong in nature as surface conditioning products because less grain, fiber and resin are used in their production. Clean & finish products include flap wheels, hand pads, sheets and rolls.
  2. Surface Conditioning - Surface conditioning products are generally used near the end of the manufacturing process. Surface conditioning refers to the changing of a product's surface, without removing or damaging the base material. These products are used in mechanical operations and include discs and belts.
In what applications are nonwoven abrasives used?
  1. Blending
  2. Cleaning
  3. Deburring
  4. Decorative finishing
  5. Defuzzing of plywood
  6. Flash removal from plastic parts
  7. Polishing
  8. Removing oxides and rusts
  9. Scrubbing
  10. Scuffing
What materials are nonwoven abrasives used on?
  1. Aluminum
  2. Brass
  3. Ceramics
  4. Chrome Plate
  5. Copper
  6. Fiberglass
  7. Glass
  8. Nickel
  9. Stainless Steel
  10. Titanium
  11. Wood/Plywood
  12. Zinc
What are the main components of bonded abrasives?
  1. Abrasive grains - most often aluminum oxide or silicon carbide
  2. Bonding agent - typically a resin bond
  3. Spacing of grains within the bond - determine the porosity and strength
What applications are bonded abrasives used?
  1. Centerless grinding
  2. Cylindrical grinding
  3. Foundry snagging
  4. Internal grinding
  5. Mounted point grinding
  6. Portable grinding
  7. Surface grinding
  8. Toolroom grinding
What grit do I use?
  • If you are roughing, choose around 36 grit through 80 grit.
  • If you are intermediate grinding, use 80 grit through 180 grit.
  • If you are finishing, use 220 grit or finer.
What types of abrasives are best for finishing specific materials?
  • Bonded abrasives are generally used when removing heavy stock or cutting concrete or metals.
  • Coated abrasives are generally used for grinding, deburring or finishing hard or soft woods, ferrous and non-ferrous metals.
  • Nonwoven abrasives are generally used for polishing and finishing a variety of materials such as plastic, glass, rubber, ferrous or non-ferrous materials.
What is the best way to store abrasives?
The best way for abrasive products to retain maximum performance and work life is to store them properly. The bonding and backing materials in abrasives are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Abrasives should be stored at temperatures between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and 35% to 50% relative humidity. Products should be kept in their cartons until you are ready to use them. Cartons should be kept away from heat sources, cold walls, and off damp floors.
When choosing a mandrel for a Cartridge Roll, how long should the mandrel pilot length be, compared to the length of the roll?
The mandrel pilot length should be a 1/2" shorter than the actual roll. This will prevent the mandrel from marring the work piece.
What is the advantage of using a Resin Fiber Disc compared to a Flap Disc?
A Resin Fiber Disc will have a higher cut rate and a lower acquisition cost. A Flap Disc will provide longer life and reduced disc changes, which can result in lower overall cost.
How do you determine the maximum RPM of a QC Disc?
The maximum RPM is based on the correct size (corresponding diameter) Holder Pad being used to run the disc.
How do you increase the flexibility of a QC Disc?
You can increase the flexibility of a QC Disc by using a "soft" density holder pad. This will give extra flexibility to the outer edge of the product.
What coated products are best for I.D. work?
Flap Wheels, Kay Rolls, Cartridge Rolls, Tapered Cone Points, Slotted & Overlap Cloth Discs, and Cross Pads.
How can I get the quickest stock removal while using a Quick Change Disc?
By increasing the angle of the tool, so only the edge of the disc is being used.
What is the difference between aluminum oxide and silicon carbide?
Silicon carbide creates a thinner scratch pattern due to being a sharper grain than aluminum oxide. Silicon carbide cuts faster but does not last as long as A/O.
What determines the holder pad density when running a Quick Change Disc?
For heavy deburring and weld removal on flat surfaces, use a firm holder pad. If the workpiece includes contour work, then a medium holder pad is better. When using fine grits for light blending and polishing, a medium or soft holder pad should be used.
Where should I use a flexible flap wheel vs. a standard flap wheel?
The flexible flap wheel has less dust than the standard wheel in deburring applications. When a mandrel mounted wheel is used for I.D. work, the flexible wheel will collapse to better polish the walls of the I.D. without stalling the tool.
When should I use a Cartridge Roll vs. a Kay Roll?
Applications that require heavy deburring and/or stock removal will benefit from using a Cartridge Roll. These applications often cause the operator to apply heavy pressure on the side of the roll during use. Since the mandrel on a Cartridge Roll extends completely through the roll's length, it provides stability to keep the roll from breaking in the middle.
Why is the life of a Kay Roll greater than a Cartridge Roll?
The Kay Roll is a precision abrasive tool. It is manufactured to run true, thus reducing chatter. The short shank length helps to extend life by allowing the use of the entire roll.
Where would I use the new Multi Finishing Wheel?
The Multi Finishing wheel was designed to apply a smear free # 4 finish on Stainless Steel. It's soft yet durable construction provides a large "foot print" for finishing.
Why would I use High Strength Coarse over High Strength Medium?
The new High Strength Coarse (green material) product has a higher cut rate on both Stainless Steel and Aluminum with increased durability. It's a unique product available in Plain Disc, QC Disc, Flap Brush and Cross Buff form, by Standard Abrasives only.
When would a Cross Buff be used?
A Cross Buff is ideal when cleaning or polishing the ID of tubing and other small areas.
When would a Flap Brush be recommended over ganged Buff & Blend Discs?
When working on a part with a consistent profile, a Flap Brush will hold its shape and last much longer than ganged discs.
When profiling a Non-Woven wheel for deburring, what product will hold a dress better, Convolute or Unitized?
Because of its construction a Unitized Wheel will hold a dress much better than a Convolute.
What is the difference between a Flap Brush and a Combi-Wheel?
A Flap Brush is a wheel made exclusively from non-woven Buff & Blend material (flaps) and is used for finishing applications. As the name denotes, a Combi-Wheel is a combination of alternating flaps of Buff & Blend / Coated Abrasive material creating a "firmer" wheel that provides a higher rate of cut.
What is the difference between a LDW and a GP Plus Convolute Wheel?
The LDW is considered a Light Deburring Wheel for removal of small burrs and when a fine polish finish is required. The GP Plus is a harder wheel designed for more abusive deburring applications.
What is the density difference between a 500 series and 900 series Unitized Wheel?
The 500 series is the softest density and the 900 series is the hardest.
What is the difference between a GP QC Buff & Blend Disc and a H/S Med QC Buff & Blend Disc?
The H/S (Blue) Disc will be more durable and blend faster.
What is the difference between the BriteStrip and BriteStrip Plus?
The color would be the first thing. The BriteStrip Plus is blue and the regular BriteStrip is black. BriteStrip Plus is more aggressive and provides increased durability when working on edges.
Why should Rapid Cut be my first choice when choosing a Surface Conditioning product?
Rapid Cut provides a consistent rate of cut during its useful life on all metal types. Rapid Cut produces the desired finish quicker and more consistently than competitive materials. Rapid Cut is balanced with the highest, most sustained rate of cut, and longest life. Rapid Cut excels on flat surfaces where competitive belts and discs load and require greater contact pressure to produce consistent finishes.
What is the best product to use for removing surface contaminates and rust without effecting the base material?
Initially, a coarse or medium Rapid Cut Surface Conditioning disc. For heavier contaminates, like adhesives in paint, start with BriteStrip, as BriteStrip is non-loading with a fast cut rate.
What are the two more common stainless steel finishes?
Standard mechanical sheet finishes are commonly un-finished or finished prior to fabrication. The un-finished 2B finish is a bright cold-rolled appearance with no grain. The 2B is usually a preliminary step to a grain finish. The finished No. 4 is the most common general purpose bright finish. This is achieved with many products, including, Metal Finishing Convolute Wheels, Final Finishing Convolute Wheels, Surface Conditioning Belts, Flap Brushes, Combi-Wheels, and Flap Wheels.
What are the 5 most recognized characteristics of the Metal Finishing Convolute Wheel?
Finish, Finish Rate (amount of time needed for desired finish), Flexibility, Durability, and Life.
Using a Metal Finishing 5AM Convolute Wheel, how can the final finish be manipulated without changing specifications?
Change in wheel speed, feed speed, feed pressure, and dwell time will affect the final finish. Higher wheel speed with light pressure will produce a finer finish, while lower wheel speed and heavier pressure will produce a coarser finish.
What are some methods that can be used for truing a non-woven wheel?
24 or 36 grit coated abrasive material or a custom metal tool.
  • Coated abrasive material: A piece of coarse (24 or 36 grit) coated abrasive material and a heavy solid piece of metal is used. By wrapping the coated abrasive around the metal and applying pressure to the wheel as it spins, the wheel can be trued.
  • Custom metal tool: The tools are usually thin, short, have a sharp edge and right angle to reduce the chances of snagging the tool with the wheel. This method is best utilized on softer density Convolute / Unitized Wheels, Flap Brushes and ganged Buff & Blend arbor hole discs.
Where can a Type 27 Unitized Disc be used?
Unitized Discs can be used in conjunction with Flap Discs. In some cases, the Unitized Discs can replace a Flap Disc. The Flap Disc leaves scratches on the workpiece. The Unitized Disc will remove the coated abrasive scratches, providing a smoother, burr-free finish.
What products produce a #4 finish (bright finish with visible grain which prevents mirror reflectivity)?
Flap Brushes (mandrel mounted and arbor hole), Combi-Wheels, Metal Finishing Wheels, and/or Rapid Cut Surface Conditioning Belts.
How does an increase in contact pressure effect the cut rate of a Convolute wheel?
An increase in the contact pressure allows the wheel to break down, continually exposing fresh layers of grain, resulting in a higher cut rate.
How does the density of a Convolute / Unitized wheel effect the cut rate?
The harder the density of the wheel the smaller the contact area to the workpiece. This will result in higher stock removal. The softer density will result in a larger contact area, thus, reducing the cut rate to the workpiece.
When should a Buff & Blend Disc be used in lieu of a Surface Conditioning Disc?
Buff & Blend discs are primarily used for blending and polishing. If sharp edges or heavy burrs are to be removed, Surface Conditioning is a better choice. Surface Conditioning requires heavier pressure to maintain a consistent rate of cut.
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