www.TK560.com

tubachris85x · Posted: Mon Feb 05, 2007 8:07 am Post subject: Better sanding tools...

I was having some trouble yesterday trying to sculpt certain parts of my mold, such as the curves and such. I was wondering what other sanders you guys use for the shaping of MDF molds, because all Im using is a relativley large belt sander. Thanks.

-tubachris
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AlterEgos · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 12:02 pm Post subject:

I've never made a mold from MDF before, but I have done some woodwork in the past. So, perhaps a hand held 'orbital sander' would help with certain areas. You can find them at any hardware store (Home Depot, Lowes, etc.).

Also, it's always a good idea to have a set of wood rasps/files on hand for those hard to reach areas or detail sections. Wink

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-John

CJanssen · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2007 5:03 pm Post subject:

I have an assortment of tools that I use: My favorite being the benchtop disc/belt sander combo. The belt sander can be left horizontal or turned up vertically putting the roller part of the belt at the top (very handy for round areas) I also use the portable belt sander, orbital sander, planer....a recent discovery that has been working very well: an angle grinder with a wood sanding head on it. It takes that MDF to dust very quickly.

badger · Novice Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 63

I've seen Jim using a hand planer.

I want to get one of those! But for the most part I use my belt/disc sander for shaping, or hand planes and rasps.

Vortilon · Newbie Joined: 11 Nov 2006 Posts: 10 Location: Marana AZ

I find straight and 90 degree Dotco die grinders with 3M rol loc sanding discs makes sculpting MDF a dream. They are a little compressed air hungry but good for tool and die making.

Rick
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We the unwilling, led by the unqualified have been doing the impossible now with so little for so long we now feel we can do anything with nothing.

jegner · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 6:19 am Post subject:

I use bandsaws, to cut the general shape, then hand tools, like hand planers, belt sanders, and bench-top sanders. Even chissels and large knifes work. Just depends on the shape you want.

If I only had 2 tools, it would be the belt sander and the band saw.

Jim

tubachris85x · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:52 am Post subject:

Yea, I would have to agree with Jim on that one, because those were the only tools I have been using for the longest time. Fortunatly, my tool collection is slowing growing with the project. I so far have a Jig, belt sander, power circular saw, and one of those smaller sanders that looks like an iron. So far its working great.

Occasionally, metal files and such help out alot.

-tubachris
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Stomper · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 7:03 am Post subject:

HEY!!! You guys forgot to mention Beavers, Termites, and Carpenter Ants... Nature's wood-working tools!! (Just kidding!!) Razz

A Dremmel (or anything designed like that) works wonders for fine detailing, and has a MYRIAD of different bits and attachments!!
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Tony Krewson
FEAR... is not my god!!

badger · Novice Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 63

Lately I've been experimenting with using a cheap angle grinder (got one for $12) as a method of removing wood.

I read about it in a woodworking magazine, and I've been giving it a try. It does an ok job, nothing special, but I recently ran across these products that I am considering getting for bulk removal.

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=929

http://woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=926

The fit onto an angle grinder, and are said to remove material quickly. Not sure if they would be worth the cost though.

Just a thought. I haven't done a ton of carving with the angle grinder, but hope to soon.

jegner · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 10:57 am Post subject:

Blaxmyth uses an angle grinder, and I'd be curious of the disk used. I have a metal grinding disc on mine, and it stinks at wood working.

Now that chainsaw disc is too cool! Expensive, but cool!

Thanks Badger for the link!

Jim

CJanssen · Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2007 4:11 pm Post subject:

here is the wheel that I have been using on my angle grinder, it was @ $6.00. It has been working very well so I havent tried any others.

badger · Novice Joined: 03 Sep 2006 Posts: 63

Nice! I saw those, and was curious about them.

I'll have to pick one up.

badger