What type of sandpaper or for sanding aluminum

[C Craft]

I am in the process of reworking my platen. This one is being built out of aluminum. What type of sandpaper or belt works the best with aluminum? My experience has taught me that aluminum is bad about plugging sand paper and files. So what is the best for working on aluminum without plugging up?

Any one got any suggestions??

 

[KenH]

Hello Cliff, good to see you posting again. I'm not sure why you need sandpaper for a platen. Since you're planning aluminum for the platen I'm sure you plan to cover the surface with either tempered glass or grafite for a smooth low friction surface?

With such a covering the wearability of the platen surface isn't an issue and doesn't need a hardened surface. What size platen are you planning?

As far as sandpaper/belts for sanding/grinding aluminum I usually use an open grit AO type.

 

[C Craft]

I am building this one from scratch. So as I cut and fit the pieces they need to be sanded to final shape and then do a polish! Thanks for the answer Ken!!

 

[KenH]

Cliff, This is what I think of as the platen: https://www.ebay.com/itm/261995155670? as you can see this platen is just that single flat piece of iron usually around 1/4" thick that is 2" wide and 8" long.

OR, are you talking about the total platen assembly as shown here ($155 shipped is a darn good price since it includes wheels):
https://www.ebay.com/itm/232844006135?

You gonna "polish" the platen? You making a show grinder? OR a working grinder? {grinning}

 

[C Craft]

Ken I am in the process of building me a new one from the ground up. I have experimented with and modified and changed my platen several time since it original conception! I find that most things connected with knife making tend to be a work in progress. After you try it and decide that this is not working for you!

I bought the body from a seasoned knifemaker on another forum! One of our members told me about the run of 10" platen body like this. So I bought one!
However the body does not come with a platen work surface to mount the glass on! Like the one you linked below.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/261995155670?

It also did not come with mounting brackets. So the work surface w/lip at bottom and mounting brackets are what I am working on!!

I have always fabricated out of steel. That is something I am used to working with! So when it comes to cutting the parts from aluminum.

I do not have a mill or similar to do it the easy way! So each piece will have to be cut by hand sanded and fitted, then polished to a final finish!! . Thus the question of which is the best sanding belt/paper to use that does not plug with aluminum easily!!