Looking for some more shop roll, aka utility roll, abrasive cloth strip. Previously I've mostly gotten 3M 314D (maroon), which is plenty good and they still make it, but now I'm seeing one they call Blue Grit, #311T. It's the same J-weight cloth and similar in price, so what's the difference? Anyone tried it?
My main criteria for sanding cloth is long-lasting grit. Not loading up being secondary but also good. I don't like X-weight, too stiff, J-weight is about right.
Back when I was a full-timer, I was a
connoisseur of abrasives, but now as a very-part-time guy I don't have my finger on the pulse of the abrasives world. I can say for sure, anyone reading this who's using generic stuff from the hardware store really should try some quality cloth like 3M or Klingspor. The grit just flies off the generics like it was quick-release. Treat yourself, you won't go back.
Open to any other brands that people have tried'n'liked.
EDIT: now I'm also seeing 3M-ite Elek-Tro-Cut (211K), comes in the same sizes and grits, same J-weight cloth, what's the deal with that stuff? And why does 3M make it so hard to find any info on which product is best for which uses?
They say "Tough, Durable Aluminum Oxide
This roll has a closed-coat aluminum oxide, which is the abrasive of choice among industrial professionals because of its fast cut and long life. It yields an aggressive cut and a fine finish on many metals, including mild steel. Aluminum oxide mineral delivers a soft scratch pattern that is often desirable for finishing and polishing."
But they say just about the same for 314D and 311T. Maybe "closed coat" is the distinguishing feature of Elek-Tro-Cut? (Man what a goofy name.)