New sanding technique - to me anyway!

[new2woodwrk]

Most of you probably already know about this, but for those that don't, here is something I just learned and is a real time saver!

While watching some videos on bandsaws I came across a scroll sawing video that used a new (to me anyway) technique for sanding items. I didn't  really think it would be that much different but I gave it a try and what do you know, it reduced my sanding time on ALL projects by 80% and was a much cleaner product afterwards - very few if any "fuzzies" on the backs, a nice smooth finish etc.

It requires just a few items, easily obtainable and even easier built: Shelf liner, plywood base, a few rails and screws.

It's called a sanding board. Not to be confused with a sanding down draft table but looks similar.

Here is my old style of sanding, using sand paper and a sanding block (sand both sides), a torch (to burn off any "fuzzies" a highly technical term ), a abrasive ball (to get any remain unsanded edges ). This process takes anywhere from 3-5 minutes for each piece. Using this method requires the sander to hold the item and hopefully not break it LOL

The sanding board accomplishes this much more effectively.

You place the item on the board (has the non-stick shelf liner - also used to line tool boxes and drawers)...

Place a hand/palm sander directly on top of the item and start the sander.

I use 240 g paper and sand the item for less than 5 seconds on each side!

This has saved me so much time and effort I was completely surprised by its effectiveness. In fact, I have sanded items using this board as small as little round fragile ornaments that we make and they don't move at all and come out so clean and smooth

Thanks as always in advance for reading

NOTE: The key is to place the sander directly ON the item before turning the sander on. The item will NOT move and it will get sanded very quickly

Edited December 10, 2021 by new2woodwrk

[kmmcrafts]

Yep, Been doing it this way since about 2007, LOL.. I started out with just foam sanding blocks of various grits..  was at a dollar tree one day and seen the anti slip shelf liners in a roll.. bought one to try it and like you say.. saves a ton of time.. and am able to use the random orbit sander on them. I don't have a sanding board per say.. but I just roll out the liner on my work bench.. usually double it up. The stuff from the dollar store is cheap and smaller bumps / grips ( for a lack of better wording LOL ) I think the more pricey stuff would probably work better... I've just never run across it and the wife keeps bringing those dollar store rolls home to line the drawers.. somehow she misplaces it and gets more rolls..  Don't tell her they're misplaced in the shop..

[jollyred]

Been doing it that way for several years.  Another way for me to sand really small parts is to put a sanding block upside down in the vise and rub the piece on it.  

Tom

[stoney]

I have used the non-slip shelf liner on top of my downdraft table for quite some time.   I also use a piece to lay project wood on to prevent movement when applying patterns.

[Puzzleguy]

Been doing this as well - but those hand sanders can make your hands numb

(if you do this for a while )

 

I actually have a professional performax face sander Im selling !

[Roberta Moreton]

I can even do the back of my fretwork on mine. It has an old piece of a non slip pad on it.

Edited December 10, 2021 by Roberta Moreton
Added pictures

[lawson56]

Been using a palm sander with an old Tshirt, I will now use some liners I have. Thanks for the info.

[timelett]

Has any one used the sanding blades for scroll sawing 

[kmmcrafts]

1 minute ago, timelett said:

Has any one used the sanding blades for scroll sawing 

Save your money, LOL.. If you really need to use the saw for a sander glue strips of sandpaper a old saw blade or in some cases some saws clamps open up enough to allow you to fit a fingernail file / sanding boards in.. OH, and the sanding blades for the scroll saw.. won't fit in the Hawk.. unless there is a new style out that I haven't seen. You're better off with spindle sanders, belt sanders, sanding mops etc. IMO.

[dgman]

Here’s mine. 36”x24”. Hangs from joist above to keep out of the way when not in use. Been using this setup for about fifteen years. After the holiday season, I’ll replace the liner as it’s pretty worn.

[OCtoolguy]

11 hours ago, Puzzleguy said:

Been doing this as well - but those hand sanders can make your hands numb

(if you do this for a while )

 

I actually have a professional performax face sander Im selling !

I'd love to have it but we are too far apart and I don't have space for it anyway. But, I'd sure love to have it. Why are you selling it if I may ask?

 

[danny]

Well I'll be?  The Idea of using the Non Slip Shelf Liner sounds like

a very doable thing.  I have a Sanding Mat that look simular to the

pic and it holds wood items great while sanding with a Oscillator sander.

Live n Learn.................Danny  :+}

[timelett]

Thanks Kevin and new2 for the tips.

[Puzzleguy]

21 hours ago, OCtoolguy said:

I'd love to have it but we are too far apart and I don't have space for it anyway. But, I'd sure love to have it. Why are you selling it if I may ask?

 

Ray i bought this to sand puzzles - but when you have pieces inside of something big , it

tends to suck the small pieces out ( unless you put adhesive on the back side -or tape )

it works fine and these big units are pricey -to bad your all the way across the country ( im in NY state )

I paid 800 for it and want something close to that - these are about 2500 or more new .

But i dont want to ship this monster - its a pick up sale only - i have the original stand but the previous owner built a solid wood base 

which makes it more stable -  Tony

[OCtoolguy]

44 minutes ago, Puzzleguy said:

Ray i bought this to sand puzzles - but when you have pieces inside of something big , it

tends to suck the small pieces out ( unless you put adhesive on the back side -or tape )

it works fine and these big units are pricey -to bad your all the way across the country ( im in NY state )

I paid 800 for it and want something close to that - these are about 2500 or more new .

But i dont want to ship this monster - its a pick up sale only - i have the original stand but the previous owner built a solid wood base 

which makes it more stable -  Tony

Thanks, I was just curious. I'd never expect to ship something like that.

 

[Joe W.]

I'm going to make this tip a Christmas present from SSV to myself.

Thank you!

[John B]

It's a great method. I have used it for many years. I also have a "Yoga" mat on my bench so that I do not mark the surface of larger pieces when sanding and working on them etc.

[Rolf]

The mat can also can be useful when routing smaller pieces.