Detail Hand Sanding

[peter halle]

This is Carpentry has posted a new article on Detail Hand Sanding:  http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2013/08/23/detail-sanding-techniques/

I know that I hate hand sanding and suspect that many others here do too.  In that article there was a product mentioned that I had never paid attention to - Tadpole Sanders.  It took a while to search and find a supplier, but here is a link:  http://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=tadpole

Anyone here use these before?  Are there any other products that you've used that will make sanding profiles easier / more enjoyable?

Peter

 

[farms100]

I have the wood craft version and  have used them from time to time.  I think they work very well and are one of those nice things to have around the shop for those times you need them.

edited to add
I hadn't thought of using the  handle ends to get into narrow spots, thats a great idea.

 

[rnt80]

I've had the Rockler version for years and use them on every project.  It's not like they make sanding more enjoyable but the results are certainly more consistent.  I've found that it's important to not press to hard or your paper loads up pretty quickly.

 

[tiralie]

I have used the same set of Detail sanders but got mine at Lee Valley.
They work well, and as the author stated they don't always fit standard profiles, so some "creative" adjustment is required. I wish the made these profiles to match popular molding profiles. It would save a lot of time.
If I can use a customized scraper to smooth a profile I will make one from a regular scraper using a jigsaw and Dremel to mill the metal to the right shape.
Tim

 

[AlexThePalex]

What works best for me with profiles is the good old sanding sponge.

They adapt to any profile. And are comfortably to hold in your hand.

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[John Bates]

I act for Flexifoam over here, their sanding blocks come in various profiles and they do some great flexible pads but I like the look of those detail sanders

 

[semenza]

Those sure look handy for $20.

If you need a harder block in a detail profile the LS130  blocks/profiles  are useful  to use by hand as well.

Seth

 

[Scott B.]

This is Carpentry has posted a new article on Detail Hand Sanding:  http://www.thisiscarpentry.com/2013/08/23/detail-sanding-techniques/

I know that I hate hand sanding and suspect that many others here do too.  In that article there was a product mentioned that I had never paid attention to - Tadpole Sanders.  It took a while to search and find a supplier, but here is a link:  http://www.woodworkingshop.com/search.aspx?q=tadpole

Anyone here use these before?  Are there any other products that you've used that will make sanding profiles easier / more enjoyable?

Peter

I just read that. It looks like it is a rebroadcast of something that had been written previously on one of their affiliate sites. Those are old school techniques for sure. As a painter, thats a lot of time to put into one joint. We see more of the reinforced butt joint with profiles like that than scarf joint. The best power sanding alternative is the LS130, and not with the custom molds. There are 3-4 stock profiles that blow through those details in minutes. It takes a little bit of practice to become that delicate with the linear sander, but it is by far a better solution, especially for those who deal with lots of joints in production prep.

 

[NERemodeling]

Peter.  I've got the complete set from your link..  most of them have never even come out of the package.  The rectangular pads are nice.  The several profiles that I have used worked well and i was glad i had them when I needed them

John

 

[Motown]

I use the Rockler version with my CT to help with dust collection.....it works really well.

 

[GregB]

Collins Tool makes Bunny Planes, which speed up the process of tuning a scarf joint. Still a bit of sanding required in most cases, but the bulk of the work can be done quicker & with less dust by using the planes... http://www.collinstool.com/base.php?page=bunny_planes.htm

 

[PaulMarcel]

I don't use a lot of moldings on my projects, but those that had moldings all used those tadpole sanders; very very useful.  Sometimes for small radius coves (e.g., part of an ogee) I've used a drill bit of the same diameter wrapped in sandpaper.  Coves aren't a circle projection, but getting the closest radius and moving it around works in a pinch.  Foam sanding sheets work similarly to the pads Alex mentioned, like the Granat hand sheets.

 

[majohnson]

As a box maker, I used them often. The drawback is sanding a radius across grain, they will leave sanding marks if your not careful.