To use PSA or not to use PSA disks. That is the question this week, along with a few others. RJ responds to a couple of customer inquiries revolving around the ages old debate of hook and loop or adhesive.

Do you use PSA sanding discs, Hook and Loop sandpaper discs or both in your wood shop? This debate has been around for some time now, and we don't think there is a "one size fits all" answer. (Which is why we offer a wide range of both types!)

Hook and Loop disks are re-usable, allowing for working down through the grits on a small project without throwing away barely used disks. This is a highly desirable trait for home woodworkers, custom shops, and installers on the jobsite.

PSA disks are generally cheaper (all else being the same) and can be set up on a hard pad on the sander to be very flat. Larger production shops often have a sander for each grit need and will use the disks until they are quite worn out, maximizing their expense.

We were discussing these issues because a customer recently wrote in asking several related questions, such as: "Does your PSA to H&L adapter have any vacuum holes? If so, what patterns are available?"

In fact, we do carry adapter pads that allow you to use Hook and Loop sanding disks on your PSA sander. They do not come with dust collection holes in them, that would be an inventory nightmare. But you can easily punch your own holes in them to fit your exact sander.

As we were talking about this, we noted that electric powered sanders in general can be bought for either, and typically have some sort of dust collection built in. Pneumatically powered sanders are more likely to have PSA pads, and very few even offer dust collection.

In most shops I have worked in, both types of sanders are used, as well as both PSA and Hook and Loop disks. Of course, Murphy's Law disctates that WHATEVER combination of sander or disk you wish to use, you will be out of that particular disk! Which is why the adapters are available.

Enquiring minds (or at least our minds here at 2Sand.com) want to know: Do you use PSA, Hook and Loop or both, and why? You can tell us by commenting here on the blog, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter. Let us know what you think! -2Sand.com

Posted On: March 7, 2019