Question 1

is 1500 grit micro-mesh equal to 1500 grit sandpaper?

Accepted Answer

No, 1500 micro mesh is roughly equivalent to 400 grit sandpaper (or ~P700). 
1500 grit sandpaper is roughly equivalent to 4000 micro mesh.

AO micro mesh is graded the same as regular micro mesh, MXD micro mesh is graded the same as regular sandpaper (so 1500 MXD micro mesh is equal to 1500 grit sandpaper) while MX micro mesh uses a completely different standard such that 240 MX is roughly 400 grit and 600 MX is 1500 grit.

Question 2

Can I use denatured alcohol to clean off the shellac? Or do you recommend a better way to clean this?

Accepted Answer

I just tried it with a piece of 1500, and the grit came right off. I'm still trying to find out how to clean these after wet sanding with boiled linseed oil.

Right. The search continues...

Question 3

can this be used to sharpen knives

Accepted Answer

here's the thing--you can "sharpen" with basically anything abrasive that's harder than the steel you're sharpening. Aluminum oxide and silicon carbide abrasives won't work as well on "super steels" (e.g. CPM S30V, which contain vanadium carbides, pretty hard stuff that really only cuts quickly on diamond or cubic boron nitride) but unless you're going for a mirror polish anything harder than steel will work just fine.The soft backing on micro mesh is great for some applications, and it could give you an interesting 'convex' shape (like using a buffing wheel or belt grinder) if you really work on your technique, but I think you'll find that something like 3M (or other brand) lapping 'films' work much better for maintaining a consistent angle. Sandpaper can work in a pinch, but it loads too much to use dry and it's pretty messy when wet, I'd recommend the "film" sheets over paper if you're serious about starting a real sharpening routine.

Question 4

Can these be used on plastic to bring it back to clear?

Accepted Answer

Yes. They are great on clear or colored plastic. I have been using these for years.

ASIN	B000H6HIK2
Backing Type	Foam
Best Sellers Rank	#121,791 in Tools & Home Improvement ( See Top 100 in Tools & Home Improvement ) #273 in Sander Sheets
Brand Name	Micro-Mesh
Color	Multicolor
Compatible Devices	Sanding Block
Compatible Material	Wood
Customer Reviews	4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (803)
Grit Material Type	Aluminum Oxide
Grit Number	600
Grit Type	Fine
Item Dimensions	6 x 2.6 x 2 inches
Item Dimensions L x W	3"L x 2"W
Item Weight	1.3 Ounces
Manufacturer	Micro-Surface Finishing
Material Type	polyester
Model	3KWPACK
Part Number	3KWPACK
Set Name	Introductory Woodworkers Kit
Size Name	2 inch * 3 inch
UPC	810948010463 787721288473
Unit Count	1 Count

Micro-Mesh 9 Sanding Sheet Introductory Woodworkers Kit with a 2 inch by 3 inch Foam Sanding Block

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