Cutting Steel Wool from a Roll
Steel wool dulls scissors quickly. Here are suggestions for other ways to cut it when purchased in bulk. October 19, 2014
Question (WOODWEB Member) :
Does anyone have a good method to cut steel wool from a roll? We have rolls here and cut hand sized pieces off, but the scissors dull quickly and then someone gets in a hurry and gets frustrated goes up to upholstery and steals the scissors there because they're so sharp. There must be some tool to cut the stuff.
Forum Responses
(Finishing Forum)
From contributor A:
I use bolt cutters myself.
From contributor R:
Press it flat with a board and slice with razor knife.
From contributor J:
This has always worked for us.
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From the original questioner:
I will try some bolt cutters. Thanks everyone.
From contributor I:
You can get a handful of scissors at Harbor Freight for less than $5. They work just fine.
From Contributor O:
Razor knifes are not expensive and so are the replacement blades.
From contributor J:
Shears - not bolt cutters. You guys already knew that.
From contributor B:
Have you tried a rotary splitter or shear? You can get carbide blades for these tools. You can also buy carbide or ceramic scissors or special scissors for cutting fiberglass or carbon fiber.
From contributor M:
I haven't used that stuff in years it leaves to much residue. Are you guys using it to sand finish or what?
From the original questioner:
For final rubout on cured finish right before it goes out the door. There is always some attention needed. Scotch-Brite is not aggressive enough.
From contributor O:
I use abralon pads to rub out. Steel wool leaves too many scratches.
From contributor M:
It's hard to beat the Mirka abrasive sponge blocks.
From the original questioner:
Are they as aggressive as and leave as smooth a finish as steel wool? I hate the steel wool shards in the air, not sure how the guys on the floor feel. They seem to always want to stay with whatever method has been working for years, so I need to have a noticeable improvement somewhere to make any change stick.
From contributor M:
I only shoot pre cat lacquer, so I can't speak for the other finishes you probably use. They sand the pre cat very well and come in several grits. I would definitely give them a try.
