First, choose the right length for your abrasive disc. The most common length for our brushes is 1¼ inch, although we have made custom brushes from ¾ inch to 6 inches. Selecting filament length depends on the application: the stiffness in shorter filaments is ideal for aggressive applications - longer filaments are best for uneven surfaces due their increased bristle flexibility.
Watch out for filament that is either too short or too long though. On one hand, insufficient filament length will cause early bristle exhaustion leaving you with less bang for your buck. At the opposite end of the spectrum, lengthy bristles are at risk of fanning out.
Once you have the right length, select the best diameter for your job. At Tanis, filament diameters range from .012 at the thinnest to .045 x .090 at the thickest. The shape of the filament is circular except for the .045 x .090, which is rectangular. For the most part, the thicker filaments are optimal for more aggressive applications. Have to work on a heavy duty deburring application? Try the rectangular .045 x .090.
What is the best filament dimensions for deburring edges on ductile metal machine part? Answer: The 1¼ length works well on a number of fronts; it is short enough for aggressive surface conditioning and it won't flare, but it is long enough to sustain brush life. Deburring on steel parts requires thicker diameters, .045 x .090 would remove burrs without a problem.
