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On Monday I spent an entire Netflix documentary carefully leveling the lacquer on my current project by hand. Yesterday I spent another going from 400 to 600 grit.

Then I decided to try the Platin 2 pads from Festool I've had for over ten years and largely haven't used since getting swirl marks early on. When I tried them originally, I had my vacuum running and didn't use any water. Yesterday I tried them sans vacuum and with a little soapy water. The results were outstanding. I went from 600 to 1000 grit in 15 minutes, and more likely 10.

Platin 2 pads are abrasives backed by a thin sponge of foam. They're offered from 500 grit to 4000. I'd be tempted to use them after leveling at 400, but I wouldn't want to use the 500 to level, not trusting that they'll create a flat surface free of waves. However, since going from 600 to 1000 is really a polish, I didn't have any quams giving them a try again.

I used 400 grit on the Festool to level the initial few sessions of lacquer but wanted to go by hand on the final leveling to remove as little as possible. Using the 1000 grit Platin 2 reduced the time spent on that last grit considerably and most likely gave me superior results since everything else I do with the Festool is better than I get by hand.

Think about giving them a shot! You don't need a Festool sander in order to use them.

That reminds me, I use to do a similar product with but with a diffenet name. I would follow up on the buffing wheel but it really cut the time down to get that just right shine. Maybe I'll pick some more up when finishing time comes around.

And, that's a beautiful koa guitar

Thanks for posting

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Joe Beaver
Maker of Sawdust

Thanks James! I had the same experience with those after having high hopes and they've just been sitting. I'll try water and no vac next time.

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Pat

They look to be the same as Abralon which you can typically find assortment packs on Ebay for less $$$.

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I'm not a luthier.
I'm just a guy who builds guitars in his basement.
It's better than playing golf.