Hi folks,
being new to reed making, I’d like to know what grit sand paper people use. Thanks for indulging me.
Arbo
I use 320 for most of the sanding but I usually give the cane a quick finish with 600.
Hi there
I use 180 grit for the rough sanding and then 240 grit for the final polishing. If I use a higher grade I dont realy like how the reed performs.
I know that 240 is a very common finishing grit for lots of reedmakers. I use silicon carbide paper or aluminium oxide paper they are hard wearling and produce a nice surface on the inside of a slip.
You may want to look into using a scraper and not having to sand at all, this method is used with stunning results by lots of reedmakers including Benedict Koehler. If your new to reedmaking try lots of different approaces and see what works best for you, Its a cliché for sure but with reedmaking it is very true.
Best of luck 
Question for madfortrad -
What do you see as the undesirable effects if you use finer paper inside the slip?
Just curious!!
A
Hi andymay
its hard to explain but if i go finer say 320 even or 400 grit i get this “whistly” “airy” type sound that i dont like. When i stick with 240 it doesnt happen but i know lots of reedmakers who would go up to say 600 or 800 grit. Gues its just what your personal choice is and what gives you the best results.
Cheers
RB406 J-Flex 180 grit is superb for not clogging and very fast. Then 360 or thereabouts wet and dry. Smoothing contact points around tails after cutting with 800.
120 for roughing, 220, and 320 ..all 3M adhesive, stuck on a pc of tile for an ultra flat surface. You will need an ultra flat surface… don’t forget that one.
As Paddy said, I’m one of those guys to goes w/super fine paper for the inside of the slip… when I remember (well over 1000). The inside is finished like smooth glass, though I’m not getting a whispy thing that Paddy’s talking about. I’m probably doing something else wrong along the way! 
I’m actually gonna whip up a few reeds and finish them with some super fine paper say 1200 and see how they end up.
Its been a while since ive tried the ultra fine paper but i certainly remember every time i did it it was not to my satisfaction 
Maybe this time will be different 
Wish me luck