Alpha Precision Abrasives Inc

Flexible Detail Sanding kit and Pads - Super Sanding & Finishing Foam Blocks

Reviewed By  Mark Aldrich, IPMS# 39295

Item 0901 - Flexible Detail Sanding kit - $7.99 Item 0902 - Cushioned Abrasive Pads - 180 grit - $4.99 Item 0903 - Cushioned Abrasive Pads - 240 grit - $4.99 Item 0904 - Cushioned Abrasive pads - 400 grit - $4.99 Item 1002 - Super Sanding & Finishing Blocks - Yellow - $3.49 Item 1002 - Super Sanding & Finishing Blocks - Blue - $3.49 Website: www.alphaabrasives.com Alpha Precision Abrasives is a new company to me. They are out of Canada and do not sell to the walk up public. They are strictly mail order. They accept VISA and Mastercard and ship via Canada Post. They have a vast selection of abrasive products available to the hobbyist as well as the automotive industry, metallurgical applications and specialty (ladies nail files) applications. Their website contains no pricing so you need to send them an email to info@alphaabrasives.com to inquire about additional pricing. Their product line is quite extensive and there are several products I will most likely be placing orders for. One of the items that stuck out was a cleaning pad designed to remove built up material from your sticks, sandpaper or files. I received the above items and thought the flexible sanding stick with the handle was a neat idea. Not so sure about the self adhesive pads but we'll see. The subject I used these products on was my Tamiya F4U-1D Corsair in 1/48 scale. Yes, Treadhead is building an airplane. The Super sanding blocks were used to finish the wings. Both worked great and because they were no confined spaces, they followed the curvature of the wing beautifully. They are coated on both wide sides and are quite pliable. Their size is the only limitations to their use. They measure 4(L) x 15/8(W) x 3/4(H). These are great items and clean easily with a tooth brush and water.

The Flexible detail sanding kit is another gem of an item. The rubber handle is very flexible and attaching the pads was a simple peel and stick. The fuselage was done with this item and I only used the 400 grit pad as I didn't want to gouge the plastic using courser grit. The size was a limitation again. I could not get it to sand the area where the spine meets the rudder and over the rear of the spine as well. These will definitely need to be accomplished with plain old sanding films. After the sanding was complete, I removed the pad and placed it on its backing. It was easily removed and left no gummy residue on the handle. I would recommend that any modeler check out their website and find some neat items to add to your supply list. I would like to thank Alpha Precision Abrasives for the samples, Marie of Alpha Precision Abrasives for answering my questions and IPMS/USA for the place for others to see a review of these items. I can't believe I am going to say this…..Have fun, build a plane!!