Trouble with a crevice

[Howie]

Howdy folks,

As you may know I've been working on a few pieces for the local humane society fundraiser and am currently sanding down a coyote carving. I'm having some serious trouble with the tail, however, in the sanding process.

As you can see from the photos attached, I can't quite get into the crevice at the deepest part of the tail. I use only hand tools and don't own any power tools, so it's all manual power.

I was thinking about getting a dremel bit and some kind of holder for it to try and get that rounded tip function, but not sure if that's the best solution. Trying to fold my sand paper or wrap it on something isn't working at this point.

Deadline is looming... please help!

-Howie

[Josef]

Emery boards and nail files will get at most of those places, otherwise crease the sandpaper and use the edge, or roll the sandpaper to get into a smooth curve. Hope this helps. Joe.

[sashadoc]

Howie, I don't know if this will help on this project or not. I use an emory board for tight places. They're cheap and save a lot of hassle for me. They appear to be about 180 grit. I hope this helps but, if not, get some anyway. You'll use them more than you would think!
Tim

[sashadoc]

Hey Josef, I guess I was a might slow on the draw,lol.

[johncarves]

I use "riffler" files to get into some of those places. They come in sets with multiple shapes and curves A hobby set of files can often be found for under $20 and last forever. Try Harbor Frieght or Northern Tools. Years ago I paid over $100 for a set of Swiss Pattern Makers Files". I still use them extensively today. They work great for some fine detail on Cottonwood Bark.

[Dicky]

All good suggestions. If you really feel the need for a small burr to do the job, you could get one and epoxy the shank into a makeshift wooden handle but you would in effect be making an expensive small file out of it.

[Caril Chasens]

You might want to use sharp tools, with a very delicate touch, to refine the surface, so that the lightest touch of sandpaper will finish it. Some styles of carving don't use sandpaper at all, but I really like the organic ripple that sanding gives.

[Claude]

I agree with John - rifflers might be just the thing. I have a set of these that are good for getting into narrow areas for some smoothing:
Buy Smooth Cut Riffler File Set at Woodcraft.com

Claude

[Magicman]

Howie
They make a small tool that has a collet in it so you can use the small diamond bits for hand work instead of power. I can't think of what you call it, but you can buy one at Harbor Freight. The tool is about $5.00 and a set of bits is around $10.00. You should get the tool first so you can find out what collet it has.
Hope this helps
Larry

[Howie]

Howdy folks,

I tried the naily thing that I stole from my wife – in addition to a new bruise on my arm, the actual board was doing more damage than the rough part was sanding. I hit up Lee Valley and found a two-tier solution.

So far, so good!

-Howie