If you use sandpaper on the job, you probably know that it’s name is pretty deceptive. That’s because it’s made with neither sand nor paper! The ‘sand’ grit used for the abrasive is typically fine grain of aluminum oxide or garnet, and it’s applied to a backing ‘paper’ that’s usually some sort of thin cloth, such as rayon, cotton, or polyester. The mineral dust might look sand, but it’s much sharper than ocean sand, and thus why sandpaper is technically considered to be a cutting tool. If you’re looking for some real sand, we think the best place to find it is riding atop an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) on the beach. Oregon and Washington have some great dunes, with several recreational areas to ride and explore. Here are some of our favorites:
