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Wednesday, August 4, 2021

Pad sander flexibility

One of the workhorses for makers of scroll saw bowls is the flexible pad sander.  Invaluable for sanding the exterior of bowls and other curved surfaces, these sanders come in 2" and 3" sizes and several different densities.  Discs for these sanders, available with or without scallops, are attached with a hook and loop system.  This makes changing grits a snap. 

I usually recommend the 2" size sander, in standard density, as a starting point.  This density is appropriate for wood removal, and the 2" size is easy to manipulate.  The 3" pad is more aggressive, and suitable for larger projects, or those without petals or waves.

Sanders with less dense foam pads are ideal for removing scratch marks left by coarser grits, since they refine the surface without altering the shape of the wood.  They are available as complete sanding units, or as add-on pads that attach to the standard pads, using the hook and loop system.  

Using an add-on pad is an economical choice, since a single sander can now function in two distinct ways.  The add-on pads are also available in the standard density, and can be used to extend the life of the sander.  The sanders shown in the photo are both 2", with standard density.  The one of the left has a standard density add-on pad.  The add-on pad for the one on the right is of thin foam; thicker ones are also available.






Friday, July 2, 2021

Still making sawdust

It's been a while since I've posted, mainly because of recurring inappropriate comments, but I've never stopped making sawdust.  I continue to get my projects "out there" for others to enjoy, or to use as springboards for their own creative work.

My bowl-making has continued to evolve, and a recent project, making live edge bowls from crafts store rounds, currently appears in Issue 84 of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts.


Whether you're a newcomer to my blog or a previous visitor, feel free to check through years of entries for ideas, inspiration, and technical advice that never go out of date!