A Sanding Stick

[bjansen]

I happen to use this tool all the time in the shop, whether it is just knocking burrs off a cut piece of wood, or what it is really good for...trapping a bow.  I made another one today and took some pics for a short build along.

This is easy to make, and you will use it alot....just make sure you take your time to get it sized right and tight.  

First, take 3 x 24 sandpaper belt (i like to use an old one as they are slightly stretched) and a block of wood a little longer than you need.  I am using a scrap piece of actionboo here.  

 

Cut it to size to fit the width of the belt (i.e. 3").  Then take it to the router and round off one end.  

 

Then put one end of the paper just slighly on the block and mark out where you think the cut needs to me.  Cut it, but cut it a little long.  


Then back to the router and route the other side...if it is a little too long, take it to the belt sander to just take a bit off.  Then back to the router to round off the edges.  


 
When it is so close that the paper will almost go on, use your random orbital sander (or any sander to take a little bit off one just one side (so the paper be pushed on easier on that side)

[bjansen]

When it just started to go onto the side that you sanded then it is perfect...as when it is on all the way it will be very tight, just how you want it.

 

Might even want to make yourself a little note which way to push the paper on

 

It should be so tight, you need a little help...just tap on each side a few times and it will go on

 

[bjansen]

Perfect, tight and ready to use








For reference, the one on the left is the worn out original from which I got the idea from (made by a trim carpenter, Mr. Malone and has had much use and abuse).  

[kennym]

Great idea Brad, need an 18 x 48 belt?  :D

[Roy from Pa]

Very cool idear..

[bjansen]

That would make a moster sanding stick Kenny.

[red hill]

That's a very good idea, Brad. Thanks.

[K.S.TRAPPER]

A cabnet maker friend of mine made one and as soon as I saw it I new it would be perfect for my bow making. Been using one now for many years and would be lost with out it.

Thanks for sharing I just figured more guys already new about them.    

Tracy

[DVSHUNTER]

Sweet brad. I hope your wife doesn't mind you using her hammer like that though.    

[bjansen]

She's fine with the hammer....but definetly mad about the epoxy on the couch

[coaster500]

Cool, thanks for the information and build  

[George Tsoukalas]

Great idea! Jawge

[canopyboy]

I like that a lot!

[rmorris]

Brad, made myself one today and all I have to say is if you are ever in Albuquerque let me know because I owe you a beer! Works like a champ, I had a bow that needed to go to serious fat camp and the sanding stick made easy work of that bow.

[bjansen]

Good.  Glad it helped.  I think I use 60-80 grit on mine and I agree, it is the best thing to use to slim down a fat bow.  If you trap a bow by hand, with files....it really works well to clean up those file marks and even out the ups & downs.

[bigbob2]

Couple shots of similar way of making sanding stick this has the disadvantage of only having one side available, but on the other hand is very quick to fit new paper

[bigbob2]

just cut appropriate width and length from strip of sanding paper.

[bigbob2]

timber has couple slots that end of paper fits into and small metal plates are just held on by small screw.Plate pivots to allow end of paper to fit in slot.

[SEMO_HUNTER]

Excellent Brad. I do nearly the same thing with my off cuts from the ends of bamboo backing, only difference is that I flatten them off, then stick 120 grit with adhesive backing on them and use it like I would a rasp. When the sandpaper wears out I just rip it off and stick a new one on.

Bamboo is some amazing stuff and has 1,000's of uses.

[Mike Most]

Well, I've got one now, had a 3x24 belt laying around for the powered model. and had some bamboo laying about. I put the two together and wow. solved an issue on a 68" glass longbow I am trying to finish. Sure works good on those limb edges. Cant say enough. Mine is 50 grit so it hogs off the material. Dont wear out the old fingers as fast either.
   
What a place Only on Trad gang.....