Sanding the details

[ChrisAlb]

I just found a new sanding product for the Dremel while at WalMart yesterday. Somewhat like the "mop" but much softer and wider. It comes in packs of two wheels for $3.99. They are available in grits from 180 to 320. Either two of the same grit or two different grits in a pack. They use the quick lock mandrel sold separately.

I haven't used it extensively but they seem to work very well and quickly. Will do more testing today....

[Big Bob]

Chris

Those look good, I,m going to look for them. The speed is important for them to wok well.
I fond what they call sanding mops that work well. They require 1500 to 2000 rpm which I can only get on my drill press. They have a 1/4" and 1/2 shank. They have 120 to 320 and I use them on raised panel doors. They also have a sanding table that will make sure your board is perfectly flat.

http://www.stockroomsupply.com/

[DrBob]

Hay Chris
Those look like the brillow pads that you can cut a circle out of and attach to the dremel, which I bought but haven't tried yet!

[ChrisAlb]

Hey Big Bob,

Yea bigger stuff like door panels and such the larger mops I imagine would work well. Never tried one myself. But I was referring to the really small and delicate detailed things. The makers of the mop make a little one for the Dremel but it's very stiff and aggressive and can quickly cut through small details.

Hotpop says he loves the bigger mops (I think he said 4") and uses an 18 volt high speed hand drill. I'm going to get a few of them for larger projects as I have a similar 18 volt Dewalt.

[ChrisAlb]

Hay Chris
Those look like the brillow pads that you can cut a circle out of and attach to the dremel, which I bought but haven't tried yet!

Hmmmmm. never tried that? How's your sled creation coming?

Update Bob: Just got your email....lol

[Mikewiz]

Hey Chris,

I've been using those for a couple of months now, they seem to work great. The only down side is they don't last that long.

Mike

[Big Bob]

The 6" with a wide stack, like he is using for molding works well. At the St Louis show I took boards from the CarveWright booth and used the wide mop to clean them up, it did a good job. The mop like the higher speed of a drill press.

[ChrisAlb]

Hey Chris,

I've been using those for a couple of months now, they seem to work great. The only down side is they don't last that long.

Mike

Hey Mike,
You couldn't be more right...lol I just discovered that myself a few minutes ago. The 180 seems to last but cuts pretty fast for fine details. The 320, does a nice delicate job but after about 5 minutes was half gone.

So far, the wire wheel is still my best choice for small details with the Dremel.

[twinpeaksenterprises, LLC]

Yes chris i had the same problem with my sanding sponges for the dremel. They work great for the first five minutes then like you said they just dissipate into nothingness. Work good but pretty costly when it costs about two dollars to sand one project. You said you use a wire brush on the dremel? Are you using the small brass wire wheel? I use a handheld brass brush and it is tedious. I was thinking of trying the brass wire wheel but thought it might be a little rough. Any sugestions?

[pkunk]

I just found a new sanding product for the Dremel while at WalMart yesterday. Somewhat like the "mop" but much softer and wider. It comes in packs of two wheels for $3.99. They are available in grits from 180 to 320. Either two of the same grit or two different grits in a pack. They use the quick lock mandrel sold separately.

I haven't used it extensively but they seem to work very well and quickly. Will do more testing today....
There's been several threads about these in the past. The 3M pads can be purchased in a 6x8 size for $1 and make a cutter from 1 1/4" pipe to make your own.

[ChrisAlb]

Yes chris i had the same problem with my sanding sponges for the dremel. They work great for the first five minutes then like you said they just dissipate into nothingness. Work good but pretty costly when it costs about two dollars to sand one project. You said you use a wire brush on the dremel? Are you using the small brass wire wheel? I use a handheld brass brush and it is tedious. I was thinking of trying the brass wire wheel but thought it might be a little rough. Any sugestions?

You know, I still haven't found anyone with the "brass" wheel in stock. I've been using the steel wheel and it works great. It takes the fuzzys off with a light pressure and will actually smooth with a little more pressure. It's great for the tiny nooks and crannies that you just can't get anything else into. If you press too hard it will actually shape the wood.

Now all of this is in softer woods like poplar and pine but so far, I've found that my CW produces smooth enough results in hardwood with little to no sanding needed.

[twinpeaksenterprises, LLC]

Pkunk, That is a great idea, but im not really understanding what you mean by making a cutter out of 1 1/4 inch pipe.? I was thinking just make a wood circle slightly smaller than the 3m pad circle cutout and glueing it on the wood then attaching to a dremel bit. ???? Not sure how i would actually do it, i would have to experiment. But the 3m pad idea is excellent, seems like it would work well. thanks.

[twinpeaksenterprises, LLC]

Chris, I forgot to mention it. I had a hard time finding the brass wire wheels for the dremel also. Only one i found to carry them was Lowes. I think im going to try thre brass wire wheel ASAP i think it would work great if the steel does. I think the significance of brass is that it is less likely to discolor the wood than say steel. Like when i try to use steel files on grooves and stuff i get discoloration which is no good. Ya i can see what your saying about going about it lightly though ive ad that happen and misshape the carving.

[Reset]

Another thing to consider when using the steel wire wheel, (and steel wool...), is particles of the steel become embedded in the wood. If you then finish the piece with a water based finish... the steel RUSTS. Brass doesn't rust, nor do scotch bright pads :)

Tommy

[Kenm810]

twinpeaks,

Pkunk idea,---This is the one I made -- for the price it works fine for me

I've also found the Dremel Brass brushes at our local Hobby Shops

Ps I also found an online supplier --- Check out the prices!
www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/CTGY/dremel-brush (http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/CTGY/dremel-brush)

[twinpeaksenterprises, LLC]

Thanks Ken, I now see the light! I now understand the technique he was implying. Thats good information there. Thanks alot. Im on it. Anything to make sanding easier. It can be a headache sometimes. I think i need to upgrade my dremel though. I have one of those bulky old ones. I like the one in the picture im going to look into it. Also good point by reset about the steal wool. Thanks .

[ChrisAlb]

Thanks Ken, I now see the light! I now understand the technique he was implying. Thats good information there. Thanks alot. Im on it. Anything to make sanding easier. It can be a headache sometimes. I think i need to upgrade my dremel though. I have one of those bulky old ones. I like the one in the picture im going to look into it. Also good point by reset about the steal wool. Thanks .

I really like all those bits. For the tool, you might like this set too. The flex shaft allows you to use a dremel like a pen. I really like the control.

http://www.carvewright.com/forum/showpost.php?p=42027&postcount=2

[Jeff_Birt]

I think the best sanding solution for our carvings are the 3M bristle discs. They seem a bit expensive when you fist look at them but they work well without sanding away detail, they work quickly and they last a long time.

http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundations/store/scresults.asp?search=yes

[Kenm810]

Hey Chris,

I have the 110 volt corded Dremel and the flex-shaft pen type, the same one you posted above.
All are really handy for clean up on the CW and CC carvings. I also have the large industrial versions of both,
But right now my favorite is the small pistol grip rechargeable I posted above,
it holds a long charge and just putting in its base stand recharges it. Nothing to remember, just put it in it stand and it's alway ready to go.
I have to admit though I'm a sucker for any new tool or toy I can find a use for in my shop, plus even a few I cann't.http://www.carvewright.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif

[DocWheeler]

Jeff,

Those 3M radial bristle disks are a lot cheaper here http://www.ottofrei.com/store/product.php?productid=8423&cat=1361&page=1

Especially if you buy quite a few.

[ChrisAlb]

Hey Chris,

I But right now my favorite is the small pistol grip rechargeable I posted above, it holds a long charge and just putting in its base stand recharges it. .http://www.carvewright.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_wink.gif

Hey Ken

I didn't realize it was cordless. That's a BIG plus in my book. Hmmmm, shopping trip tomorrow?? LOL I do like the flex shaft but it can be a bit of a burden at some angles for sure.

[ChrisAlb]

Jeff,

Those 3M radial bristle disks are a lot cheaper here http://www.ottofrei.com/store/product.php?productid=8423&cat=1361&page=1

Especially if you buy quite a few.

WOW those look cool! Thanks Ken. Man I love this forum. In another week I'll be COMPLETELY broke...LOL

[pkunk]

I use a Foredom flex shaft which has a variable speed foot control. My particular model also has a reduction gear to run even slower speeds which gives even more control to eliminate over sanding.

[William Blankenship]

I think the best sanding solution for our carvings are the 3M bristle discs. They seem a bit expensive when you fist look at them but they work well without sanding away detail, they work quickly and they last a long time.

http://www.blackstoneind.com/foundations/store/scresults.asp?search=yes

Jeff,

Thanks for the link. I'm going to order some of these.

Bill...

[Woodhacker]

I am thinking you would take a piece of pipe and sharpen it on the end using your drill press with a sanding sleeve or at the sanding station. Then, use it to cut circles out of the pads. They (it's ALWAYS they, whoever they may be) make an industrial paper punch that is used in a drill press to cut holes in paper. I'm thinking this is the same idea on a slightly larger format.

Richard

[want2b]

I got an 1 1/4 inch pipe plug, ground off the threads and a little on the inside to get a cutting edge. The square end works great for a hammer, place the 'scotchbrite' type pads on a block of wood and punch out as many as I can and use an adjustable punch to make small hole in the center. Used a small threaded rod, cut off a short piece, ground threads off one end to fit in my Dremel. On the other end I thread on a nut, add a small washer, add the disc, another washer and nut, then tighten. Need to burr the threads below the first nut to keep it from spinning down when used. Made 5 or 6 from the one rod, make them up so I can change while in the clean up mode without having to stop and make more. Can't tell what they would cost, got lucky and got a box of 50 pads at an auction for $5 so I good for a while.
Rick H.

[Jvicaretti]

You can also sometimes find good sized packages of these pads at a dollar store.

[Kenm810]

I've been cutting out 3/4" and 1'' circles from 3M pads for my corded
and cordless dremel tools for a couple of years now.
I also used Bjbethke's suggestion of making my own Sanding Mop (it works really Great)
I even bought a commercially made one from the Woodcraft Store,
that I can use in a Drill Press or on the power take off of my Surface Sander

[Rick P]

I agree with Jeff ... for delicate detail sanding the 3M Radial Bristle Discs in 220 grade are best. They are also available in 80, 120 and 400 grades. For large areas they are available in 2" & 3" diameters too. I used to work at 3M and know these products well :-)

[BobHill]

Also a word of caution no matter what choice between these Dremel heads and that's to use on wood or plastics at a lot lower RPM than one usually uses with the Dremel. Your head will last a lot longer, and far better cleaning without also "cutting" into the design.
Bob Hill

[Chief38]

Interesting page on making your own sanding mop for a drill press.

http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2008/12/make-your-own-sanding-mop-on-cheap.html

[Steven Alford]

Interesting page on making your own sanding mop for a drill press.

http://scrollsawworkshop.blogspot.com/2008/12/make-your-own-sanding-mop-on-cheap.html

Bad link or something, all you see is a video commercial for the scroll saw site.


Edit: But if your smart (like I am not!!) you will go further down the page and there it is!!
Very interesting. I think I will try doing that but on a smaller scale.

[dbfletcher]

scroll down... it is there.

[www.go3d.us]

I also suggest sanding sealer for easy sanding and smooth finish.

[ajk]

HELLO DOC: Which size and grit do you use on the 3 m bristles. i am ready to make the order but I dont know which one. We work with mohogany.

Regards from PR
ajk and Hilda

[rickyz]

I use 80 and 220 grit. works well for me. I use a sanding mop now more than I use the bristle discs except for hard to reach spots.

[DocWheeler]

HELLO DOC: Which size and grit do you use on the 3 m bristles. i am ready to make the order but I dont know which one. We work with mohogany.

Regards from PR
ajk and Hilda

I use the Red and Blue ones (is that 220 and 440?) I would have to look at home. I use the 3/4" ones, usually three at a time.

[cestout]

I prefer mini mops for detail. Does anyone besides me use a Dremel Contour sander? With a Mop, mini mop, the contour sander and sometimes a rotary rasp in the Dremel rotary tool, my stuff comes out OK.
Clint

[Kenm810]

Hi Clint,

A few of the folks have been using the Dremel Contour Sander,
for a while, it was mentioned in a thread some time ago.
Looks like can do the trick for a lot of our carvings. http://forum.carvewright.com/images/icons/icon14.gif

Sanding my projects when complete (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=5501&highlight=Dremel+Contour+sander) (http://forum.carvewright.com/images/misc/multipage.gif 1 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=5501&highlight=Dremel+Contour+sander) 2 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=5501&page=2&highlight=Dremel+Contour+sander) 3 (http://forum.carvewright.com/showthread.php?t=5501&page=3&highlight=Dremel+Contour+sander))

[jab73180]

So now that a few years have passed, what is everyone using for sanding techniques now? The reason i ask is that my stock of radial bristle discs is low so i need to replenish and just wondering what to get. I have always used bristle discs of different grits and am looking to go with one grit. I am torn between 120 and 220. so what are you guys and gals using?

[CW-HAL9000]

This is what I use. 240 grit seems to work best, They sell them at my local Ace hardware. I use it in my drill press.


http://www.amazon.com/Dico-541-788-4-Nyalox-Brush-4-Inch/dp/B00004YYCS

73088

[zan29]

My 2 cents on this, I purchased a buffing kit for headlights and it does an awesome job. Not for very small details but overall sanding job. The foam padding that's included along with the sandpaper provided works very well with a drill press or hand drill. The sandpaper is call: Stikit Paper Disc Roll 5" P500 C-Wt and you can buy them separately........and believe me, that's what I did through http://www.kaufmanco.com/

[flyingemt]

I use 1" mini-mops from Stockroom Supply in Canada. Just wish they would get the 220g back in supply....

As a caveat, Deft sanding sealer is awesome stuff, using the spray instead of brush on. Dries in 10 min.

Flying

[edsingletary]

Where would you find mini mops. I use dremel but never saw mini mops.

[Alan Malmstrom]

For those who are detail minded these little sanding disks work pretty good for flat surfaces and rounded areas: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181578854598?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I also use some of these sanding cones because they work good in tight areas: http://www.treelineusa.com/sanding/detail-sanding-cones

[zan29]

Found that website also but wasn't sure enough if they would do the job so thanks for sharing Alan!


For those who are detail minded these little sanding disks work pretty good for flat surfaces and rounded areas: http://www.ebay.com/itm/181578854598?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649

I also use some of these sanding cones because they work good in tight areas: http://www.treelineusa.com/sanding/detail-sanding-cones

[racer]

Been using these for a long time work great .

[gashawk]

Its just the point that "sanding details" sounds so much like an oxymoron.

Details on yellow pine73091