Save time with FESTOOL

Dry sanding & dust extraction

Over 63 per cent of time spent on a vehicle in a paint shop is sanding and in most bodyshops a great deal of that is wet sanding. Switching to a 100 per cent dry sanding system will achieve optimum results and give your business the profitability you are looking for says FESTOOL.
Up to 60 per cent of time is saved when using dry sanding processes. Little or no clean-up is required and productivity is greatly enhanced without an increase in labour costs.
Some people believe that a dry sanding system does not give the same quality finish as wet sanding. This is incorrect, says FESTOOL. Dry sanding can give a far superior finish, without the use of water, using Platin abrasives. Plus, long service life is assured with FESTOOL's three-year warranty on tools.
Dry sanding utilises up-to-date technology, which enables a bodyshop to become more competitive as well as portraying a heightened image and reputation. More importantly, the health and safety of staff is safeguarded as the dust extraction systems integral to FESTOOL dry sanding process have 99.9 per cent filtration, in accordance with EN standard 6035 (when used with original FESTOOL paper filters/bags).
With superior features and benefits, FESTOOL dry sanding systems are not a cost but an investment, says the company. Time is money and FESTOOL tools will save you that time! Furthermore, the use of FESTOOL 9-hole abrasives will bring costs down considerably: clogging is greatly reduced and so fewer abrasives are required.
Using dry sanding systems means that bodyshops look more professional, no untidy mess on the floor or dangerous wet areas.

Enquiries, tel: 1800 063 900, fax: (03) 9530 5158 or call SAPE: (02) 9568 2233 for NSW & Vic distribution and Prestige Paint & Equipment: (07) 3254 0566 for Queensland.

Norton Champagne Magnum
Champagne Magnum from Norton is sandpaper technology at its best according to the company. It cuts faster, runs cooler, resists loading better and lasts far longer than any conventional sandpaper.
The challenge for abrasive manufacturers for dry sanding especially in the finer grades is keeping the dust created in the sanding process down to an acceptable level, whilst having a cooler cutting action and producing a finer finish with hopefully a longer sanding life of the product.
Norton Champagne Magnum products (A275) have successfully achieved these criteria with new heat treated abrasive grains providing a faster cutting action, whilst the sharp grain couples with a strong resistance to dulling, which offers a cool cutting action. The unique champagne coloured paper eliminated the need for pigments or dyes in the making process thus resulting in two further major advantages;
* Increased bond strength between grain and backing
* Eliminating any possibilities of pigment colour transfer (contamination) to the workpiece.
From the drawing board to the bodyshop, every Norton product is extensively tested to establish higher standards of performance and productivity. Norton products are engineered to save time and money while providing the finest possible results. As a sign of confidence, Norton Champagne products (A275) are supported by the No Risk guaranteed test policy. Norton Champagne Magnum is available in a grit range P80 through to P1500. Available in Stick n Sand (PSA) discs, Speedgrip (Hook & Loop) or discs and sheets plus plain hand sanding 230mm X 280mm sheets.
Features include a premium heat-treated grain with 30-50 per cent faster cut rate, premium B-weight latex paper backing for improved performance, FEPA P-graded grain which achieves a more consistent, uniform scratch pattern, re-designed bond system to optimise grain adhesion, the latest water-based stearate No-Fil to improve load resistance and no pigment in No-Fil or bond to eliminate risk of colour transfer.
Enquiries, tel: (03) 9358 6100.

The Hutchins solution
Hutchins tools are high quality sanding and finishing tools for the paint shop and the bodyshop. Hutchins tools are manufactured in the US and come with a 12-month warranty.
The Hutchins 800VA/DF is an orbital speed file sander that can be used in the bodyshop for sanding down fillers and repairs. It can also be used in the paint shop for blocking back primers. It is truly one of the most versatile tools available today said Hutchins.
The Hutchins 2006VA is a heavy duty stock removal tool designed for use in the bodyshop. It is a rotary sander that is very quick and efficient. The Hutchins 3500VA is the ideal tool for most dry sanding applications. It can be used in the bodyshop and the paint shop. It is a random orbital dual action 150mm sander that is lightweight and ergonomically designed to ensure better finishes with increased productivity.
Hutchins tools can be combined with the dust extractors from Australian agents AWD to form an efficient, cost-effective and highly productive dry sanding unit. Dry sanding systems can be tailored to suit specific body or paint shop needs.
AWD can tailor make a package to suit specific needs of the paint and bodyshop. Enquiries, tel: (03) 9553 1977, email: stork.awd@bigpond.com.au.

3M: dry sanding solutions
Although not the first to offer 'hook & loop' type discs in Australia, in 1994 3M was the first to offer 'dry sanding' to Australian bodyshops as a system. The 3M Hookit System in its original form was an abrasive range combined with a Telesch air powered 150mm disc sander with the hose and bag attached. The 3M recommendation for an alternative electric tool was Rupes then and still is today. This system had good but limited success as most shops had no thoughts on the benefits of using dust extraction equipment.
In 1996, 3M Australia along with some of the major paint companies started to recommend and demonstrate with air or electric sanders using dust extraction. We then offered the 3M Dry Sanding system including a Dynabrade 150mm Sander which was the first full system offered anywhere in the world combining all that was necessary to enjoy the benefits of dry sanding from the P36 grit through to P1500 grit. This along with the accessories offered such as the interface pad, sanding blocks and 3M Dry Guide Coat gave Australian bodyshops a system that was better, more complete and more advanced than any system available in the UK, Europe or the US at that time.
3M Australia's ability to be able to draw from its many divisions within the 3M Global community has played a major part in the company's success with dry sanding and this will be shown again in the near future with further offerings to enhance what 3M started and have already achieved in this area.
Enquiries, tel: 136 136.