If you are into making wooden models of all types ..
whether it be a scratch built model , or a wooden kit car model to Pinewood Derby cars , even small wood projects around the house.
The one tool you'll need most is a detail sanding tool of some sort to give shape your modeling projects with.
Most might use the sanding stick tools that can be found and purchased on the web on in hobby stores.
Top to bottom. small sticks 1/4 x 6 3/8, belts med size 12 x 8 belts, large 3/4 x 10 belts.
As you can see in the image above there's all types of sanding tools that can be purchased for your detailing needs.
Some of my fav's are the sanding stick types seen however these sanding tools can get a little costly .
But there are way's of making your own sanding tools as well..
just look around in your shop for some small discarded wood scraps.. dowel rods, popsicle sticks, spay glue's, sand papers are a good and cheep way of making your own.
Been how Christmas is all most hear and I'm in a giving mood.. Id like to share with you all some ideas on how you can make your own detail sanders.
( plus they make for grate gifts to give to your modeling friends !)
If you have some rolled goods sand papers such as emery cloth.. or even the flat good sheet type papers will work.
I will be sharing how I like to make flat handled detail sanders that will last a life time .. and the sanding papers can be changed out on the tool.
No this is not forged in fire ..
however I will be using an assembly type .. like that of a knife for the sanding tool handle.
Here's what you'll need.. 1/8 x 1 aluminum flat strap, 3/8 x 1 wood of your type for the handle, and some 5/16x 1 binding bolts.
Shape and cut out two matching handles to your liking.
Next mark out where you would like the binding bolts to pass thew the handle.
Put your bolts threw the handle and fasten them down.
From here you will want gloves on .. to shape the aluminum to the handle on the belt sander.
( aluminum will transfer heat fast while sanding and burn your hands ! )
After shaping the handle sand the edges smooth, you can leave it natural or stain it.
For inserting the sand paper ..
It will be wrapped around the aluminum and held on in between the two handle half's.. making it two sided with the sand paper.
Stand the tool up right and push down on the sand paper and tighten down binding screws that's it .. your sanding tool is ready to use!
Plus you can make them in various widths , lengths , and sizes for your needs.
Sanding block ideas :
Is to use a wood block you can bevel one end or just round it over..
on the clamping end drill a hole the same size as your dowel pen and then cut half off so you have a c type shape on the end.
Then find a small bolt with some type of nut to use.. dill a hole centered in the clamping end of the block and epoxy it in and use a dowl rod with a hole threw it for the clamp.
Sanding stick ideas seen at very bottom of image:
Is to cut a bevel out on a square stick and round over the end.. the cut off a small part on the rounded end.
I like using the small springs out of ink pens and some small dowel rods or a nail with the head cut off for making the sanding belt tensioner.
Get out in your shop and make something cool and fun for someone this Christmas
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year every one!
