On a recent tour of the Ali Industries factory in Fairborn, Ohio, I learned how they manufacture their line of Gator Finishing sandpaper and abrasive products.

What I found particularly interesting, was watching the steps they used to take specially constructed sandpaper and form them into sanding belts for use with belt sanders. It was quite compelling to watch, and the results are a belt where the joint is actually stronger than the paper!

In this step-by-step article, learn How Sanding Belts are Made.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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The Gator Finishing 5" Premium Sanding Discs for random orbital sanders are designed to last three times longer and clog less than traditional sandpaper. Made with premium Black Zirconium, these discs can be used on wood, fiberglass, painted surfaces, metal and more.

In this woodworking review, learn the advantages and drawbacks of these Gator Finishing 5-inch Sanding Discs.

(c) 2009 Chris Baylor licensed to About.com, Inc.

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It is said that wisdom is learning from the mistakes of others.

A couple of months ago, I posted a comment about Close Calls When Not Wearing Safety Gear, requesting reader responses. A number of you responded with some very interesting situations that could have been prevented (or at least made less dangerous) by wearing appropriate safety equipment.

Check out these interesting safety close calls and, if you have a similar story that you feel would benefit the community, please pass it along through the form at the bottom of the page. Perhaps a fellow woodworker can learn from your experience.

A reader asked the following question:

I purchased and set up a mortising attachment on my drill press, aside from that I noticed that when applying pressure to the DP handles to lower the chisel into the wood, even with new sharp chisel bits, it really seems difficult to press square holes into the wood [sort or hard wood]. Is this a common problem?

This topic became an interesting back-and-forth discussion in the About Woodworking User Forum. This is a place where anyone can ask woodworking questions and get answers from woodworkers around the world quickly. Best of all, it's absolutely free to create a username/password and join in the conversation.

Stop by the About Woodworking Forum and check out all of the conversations today!

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