Using Sandpaper Roll Burs
Hi and thanks for getting some rolled sandpaper bits from me.
I thought I should write up a quick user guide for them to give you an idea of how to use them to full effect. Note this will be mainly in terms of their use in opal carving but they can be used for many other materials (wood/metal). For a video demonstration feel free to check out my carving videos where I am using them on the YouTube channel “Roys Rocks”. Remember to always use water and try not to contact your skin with the bur as the sandpaper can be quite aggressive so can be abrasive to your skin.
This kit comes with 10 pieces and grits range from 240-5000, covering a wide range of grits including 240, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 2500, 3000 and 5000 by the ANSI standard.
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I hope this very brief guide helps but if not, there are many videos on my channel using these exact burrs so check it out and ask me any questions you have.
Thanks and have fun carving,
Roy (YouTube: Roys Rock)
Stay Safe
I recommend at minimum safety glasses, lubricating with water and wearing a P2/N95 grade mask even when cutting wet. Vision and breathing are quite useful for us humans so look after your eyes and lungs. Also, for carving I always recommend using a flex shaft attachment on your rotary tool as water and electricity do not mix and you don’t want to give yourself a zap.
When Carving
I have managed to carve stones from start to finish with these but I recommend using electroplated or sintered diamond burs for the rough shaping prior to these to prolong their life.
Start with the smallest grit and use it until you are happy with the shape, then slowly increase grits 1 at a time making sure there are no scratches from the previous stage. Typically, one medium to larger opals I use each grit until they are basically worn out then move on. By the 5000 grit you should be left with a moderately shiny stone, but I recommend following up with my super cerium oxide (for opal) or aluminium oxide (for non-silica stones/boulder opal) on felt burs to get the mirror finish. These items are all on the store as well.
Video when I tested these: https://youtu.be/FmgDKw3fwKA
Maintenance
When you are done using them give them a dunk in water and wipe. It is not a highly important step but at least drying the mandrel/shaft after usage can avoid any chance of rust.
Since these are sandpaper, you cannot use a dressing stick to refresh the diamond cutting surface. Sandpaper tools are only coated in diamonds so once they are gone the bur will remain smooth and are fully consumed. They can then be peeled to reveal a fresh surface on the next layer of the roll. They are far more disposable so eventually you may want to upgrade to Diamond Pacific Nova Points once fully hooked by the hobby.