dealing with Klingspor, useful info
Bill Tindall, E. TN
>I decided to post this answer to a question down below as a separate topic. This question comes up from time to time.
Klingspor has a retail store like Woodcraft that sells to woodworkers. Don't use this venue for abrasive supplies. Klingspor also has an industrial abrasives division, you deal with by phone or FAX, and they are a delight to do business with. How I wish 3M would try to compete with this approach to selling abrasives.
Step 1. Call 800 645 5555 and request "Abrasive Products Price Guide", 2004. Tell them that you will be ordering abrasives from them and ask what your discount will be. Expect a "trade discount" of about 40% off the prices listed for your cabinet shop. You will of course need a name for your cabinet shop. Educational is diffrent rate.
2. Study catalog It lists about everything Klingspor sells. However, they will slit or coat or splice ANYTHING that they have in jumbo rolls. So for example, they do not list PS11 2000 grit silicon carbide in 2 3/4" rolls with PSA back. Not a problem as PS 11 is an item availabe in jumbo rolls that they can slit to any size and PSA coat, about $10 for a 10 m roll. Same drill for belts, etc.
3. Catalog has wealth of useful abrasive information. A must read.
4. When you decide what you want, call up the nice ladies and place the order. It may go out that very day, UPS.
5. If you need technical information, call the same number ans ask for the nice tech service lady.
6. Don't give them reason to not continue this wonderful customer service(like pay the bill when it comes).
Hope this helps someone