I need help with sanding

[Colin-Partridge]

Good afternoon guys,
I have a question about sanding. I am in the process of carving a santa out of cedar. I have it pretty well finished but I have never sanded a carving in my life. I usually just leave them with all the chisel marks in them and then put on a coat of stain. This one is different, I have always wanted to break into the santa carvers circle and decided on Nancy's advice to try one. This one is about two feet high and six in diameter it is like my woodspirits and just the face but I have done this one in the round and put hair and a hat on him. My question what do I use to get into all of those little crevises and corners. I have tried a rotary sander but it doesnt come close. I need some thing small, I dont care how long it takes me I really want to do a fair job on this guy. Even trying to get into the corners with a piece of sandpaper is difficult. I had thought of posting this on the Holiday Album but I wanted to get as much advice as possible so I know that everyone reads the general page. Any help at all would be appreciated I am sure this is a question that some of you have thought about from time to time. BTW I have all the tools dremel,Fordom, Arbortech Sander you name it I own it usually sits in the corner of my studio though.
Colin

Colin, you can buy stick sanders. If I could see what your trying to do, anyways get a piece of good swiss sand paper, 220 grit, glue it to a thin narrow stick about 6' long, as the sandpaper wears out, cut it off . The stick is 6' long, glue a piece of sandpaper 4' long . 5 min epoxy, or crazy glue, something that will dry quickly. you can glue sandpaper on both sides of the stick. Make it like a wedge, round for hollows etc. The swiss paper lasts for ever, you can buy it from most bird carving suppliers MDI Bangor, Kurts Waterfowl Corner. Hope this helps, I think I rambled on a bit.

[BillinO]

Colin I have had good luck using emery boards, the type people use on finger nails. They are inexpensive and easy to use. Ihave used needle files, ones with diamond grit, and regular grind needle files. Have also used flapp sanders. Hope this helps. Bill in Omaha

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Those ideas will all work and if it is even tighter spots than that, Woodcraft sells a set of small, fine files in all shapes and configurations....

I agree with Hugh buy good paper it is SO much nicer. I just heard a tip that makes sense... use PSA paper (pressure sensative adhesive) to attatch it to the stick, no muss no fuss. You can shape the stick to fit the space and then add the paper. also creative folding and rolling of the paper can get into some tight spaces, eg.: folding it like you would a paper air plane will give you a stiff sharp point and rolling it spiral like will give you a long round taper. good paper will take those shapes and still hold the abrasive.

Dave

[Kenny_S]

If I am permitted to butt in here Colin, Ever thought of leaving it unsanded? What I have seen of your carvings unsanded, I wouldn't worry to much about sanding it. I know a couple of great carvers who uses 0000 steel wool on theirs. To me, that leaves darker areas on the would and mess them up to leave natural.

[Colin-Partridge]

Sorry guys I quess it is hard to know what to advise if you dont see the picture. I have put a picture of it on Picturetrail in the fun stuff album. Hugh this is just a rough out I am not sure I like it anyway I will know better when he is finished.
Colin
http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...&members=1

[owlhause]

He looks great Colin....I'm also wondering why you want to sand him?....at least from your image he doesn't appear to be in need of it.

I've heard of using scotch bright pads cut and mounted on a fordem tool.

Like the pumpkin too

Greg

[mdallensr]

Dremel has a flat bristle wheel that is great for fuzzies in tight places. I also use the Scotchbrite cut-outs on my Dremel to get rid of fuzzies. It's going to be really tedious to sand that entire carving, because of the detail. I'm not convinced it will add to the character either. Clean it up, finish it, and be happy with it; it looks great the way it is. Maybe a couple of deeper creases in the hat......?

[squbrigg]

Are you sure you want to sand that Colin? Looks good to me, the tool marks give it character and definition. Just my opinion.

Bob