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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: Jim-78028 on February 02, 2016, 02:16:40 pm

Title: Fret work sanding
Post by: Jim-78028 on February 02, 2016, 02:16:40 pm

Ok I am stumped.   I have tried everything I can think of to sand a piece with fret work, fret work that has very narrow strips or stiles (if you are into windows).

I don't break all of them but one or two will break.

Suggestions, tips, please?

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Dannyb on February 02, 2016, 02:40:54 pm

I bought a set of needle files at Lowes that I really like for small intricate sanding.  They were only 4 bucks too!!! 
http://www.lowes.com/pd_159850-16878-63235_0__?productId=4777067&Ntt=

Hope this helps.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: dunk on February 02, 2016, 04:01:07 pm

I glued a piece of sandpaper onto a piece of granite left over from a counter install.  Really intricate pieces I can sand on this along with using emery boards and needle files for in between the frets.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Jim-78028 on February 03, 2016, 05:45:12 am

Ahhh needle files, now that might help.  I already use the emery boards

Thanks all

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Dan26 on February 03, 2016, 07:43:20 am

If it's the fuzzy stuff you're trying to sand off try using a torch. A quick pass or two over the back will eliminate them. Also, for reducing the fuzzy stuff I switched to FD-UR blades.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Kepy on February 03, 2016, 10:28:25 am

I have found that laying the piece on my 6" belt sander so the paper holds it in place, allows me to use my orbital sander without a problem.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Jim-78028 on February 04, 2016, 05:52:58 am

@ Dan, now that is an interesting thought, I may try that trick with the torch.

@ Kepy, Imaginative!  I have a 4" belt but might try that just to see

Thanks all.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Bill Wilson on February 04, 2016, 04:17:17 pm

The torch trick works well, but use a low flame and don't linger on one spot anymore than necessary to singe the fuzzies, or you will end up with charcoal.  DAMHIKT 

Another thing I have done is to use abrasive buffs in my Dremel.  With a very light touch and low speed and it cleans up fuzzies without damaging the piece. 

I use these tricks most when cutting with spiral blades.  For normal fretwork, FD-UR seem to minimize the tearout on the back better than other reverse tooth blades I've used.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: barb e on February 06, 2016, 09:53:35 am

I think this was Carol Rothman tip that I am using. Glue a piece of sandpaper to a glazed floor tile and then rub it back and forth.  Your piece is always flat then.  I have 2 different tiles with different grits.

Title: Re: Fret work sanding
Post by: Jim-78028 on February 07, 2016, 06:43:41 am

Barb, that is a good one, and I just happen to have some extra tiles, I'll give it a try