Hi John

I get my sandpaper from stockroom supply, they sell klingspor hook and
loop in rolls for the drumsanders, it comes in 2" 3" 4" and more widths
and 5 yards long or 50 meters etc, I just cut them to size, that way
cost is in the 6 to 10 cent a piece mark.
they also have foam pads etc, have a look, I find them good to deal
with.

http://www.stockroomsupply.com/Sanding_Rolls.php

Have fun and take care
Leo Van Der Loo

JD wrote:
I wonder what sandpaper other turners are finding "best". (Keeping in
mind that sanding on the lathe needs to be done at slower speeds so as
not to burnish the wood.)
I use Norton 3X a lot as it seems pretty versatile. (Available from
Home Depot)
Astradot from woodchuckers is the best with the rotational sander (It
has velcro backing) but it is expensive and I am not in Toronto so it
is not that convenient.
"SIASOFT" foam back pads are very durable but pricey too and I'm not
sure where to get them locally. (I got a small supply in Calgary from
Blackforest wood.)
I got some foam back sanding pads from Lee Valley but ended up sending
them all back as they just disintegrated on the lathe.
Busy Bee had some "machine sandpaper" in belts and circles a while back
as a packaged special and this was good but they do not seem to have it
anymore - I now regret not getting a lot more.