Thread: Sander Recommendations for Scale Shaping

I'm formulating my Christmas list and need sander recommendations. I searched for previous threads on the subject, and got some ideas. I'm really interested in the sanders that work best for final shaping and contouring scales. I have access to a larger belt sander for thinning scale material. I've been eyeing the 1" belt/disc combo, 2" belt/disc combo, and oscillating belt combo at Grizzly, but I thought I would check in here before putting in the request to Mrs. Claus.

I do all sanding by hand and have no problem with wood, horn or bone.

I use my 4"x36" with a 6" disc for about 99% of my scale work

The only time I use my 2"x72" for scales is when I am putting a rounded contour on some of the really cool looking G10 stuff

3x36 bench belt sander. Then finish shaping by hand. Works for me.

Those and a scraper like a knife blade held straight up to the surface. Be careful!
~Richard

made myself a home made version of the luthiers friend sanding station (you can buy the Robo-Sander separately from Woodcraft) works great for getting a even thickness and then finish the shaping with a cabinet scraper.

I grabbed one of those $50 Harbor Freight 1x30 belt sanders specifically for working on scales and it's been fantastic. I much prefer it to the 4x36.

It's small enough that I just stow it under my workbench when I'm not specifically using it. The 4x36 goes under there too, but it's a bit more cumbersome to haul out.

What makes the 1x30 nice is you can loosen the backing plate and push into the slack of the belt a bit, which is great for rounded-profile scales.

Mind you, the HF one is not quality goods, but it's good enough to get the job done (just be sure to hook it up to a shop vac for dust collection).

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

What makes the 1x30 nice is you can loosen the backing plate and push into the slack of the belt a bit, which is great for rounded-profile scales.

Creating the rounded profile is what I'm after. I've also been looking at a JET 2" x 46" belt / disc sander combo. Reviews said that the backing platen can be removed. Do you think 2" belt would be too wide compared to the 1" (Grizzly sells a 1" combo).

I've used a scrapper too and sanded by hand, but I'd like to have some power tool options too! Hell, why not, right?

+1 with voidmonster on the harbor freight 1x30 belt sander. i use the 4x36 to rough shape and thin scales but the 1x30 to do all the rounding and final shaping. works great.

I use 1x42" Kalamazoo grinder for the rough work, then finish by hand.