How to sand... Breath Hold Moment!

[new2woodwrk]

I cut this dragon this morning, and as someone had said so eloquently, it was a constant "breath hold" moment LOL

Anyway, now that it's cut I'm scared to sand the thing LOL

So, I'm looking for suggestions on how best to sand this without breaking the thing. I'm not considering using any of the machine sanders at the moment

The whole dragon measures 10" W x 1 3/4" H at it's widest point (just behind front claw)

Thanks as always in advance for reading

 

Edited October 13, 2020 by new2woodwrk

[FrankEV]

I might try using "Handy Tak", the temporary putty like adheasive use for posters, etc., to temporarily affix it to a board whilse sanding.     This stuff holds fairly well and removes easiy.  If it seems to be holding too well, it can be cut off easily with dental floss.

I guess you plan on hand sanding, but if secured as above, a sanding mop used very gently should also  work nicely.   

I love the beautiful scroll work.   Great job, but can undersatnd the "breathy hold" moments.

Would love to hear how you plan on finishing and mounting it.    Of course, as allways, post a photo when it is completely finished.

 

 

 

Edited October 13, 2020 by FrankEV

[fredfret]

I would use a piece of 220 grit held on a flat surface and sand 1 piece at a time over the paper.

[Bill WIlson]

2 hours ago, fredfret said:

I would use a piece of 220 grit held on a flat surface and sand 1 piece at a time over the paper.

That's what I do.  You hold and move the piece and the sandpaper stays still.

[Denny Knappen]

I use the Mac Mop purchased from Klingspor for around $40.

[new2woodwrk]

2 hours ago, Denny Knappen said:

I use the Mac Mop purchased from Klingspor for around $40.

Doesn't that attach to a drill?

Very nervous about using any machine to sand this thing

[Denny Knappen]

40 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

Doesn't that attach to a drill?

Very nervous about using any machine to sand this thing

Not a machine.  It is a flap wheel mounted on a drill press.  I used it all the time on almost everything.

[OCtoolguy]

I've got a piece of Corian that was the sink cutout for our kitchen sink. I tape a couple of sheets of paper to it and "CAREFULLY" sand most everything that has a flat area. For the intricate areas, an old worn Macmop at a slow speed would work. Just be careful with it. I used a 220 Macmop on this thing and it worked great.

[Paladin]

for all puzzles like that I use a mop sander.  Looks like it's cut out of at least 3/4" material?  It is stronger than you think if you use the mop sander gently.

[JimErn]

35 minutes ago, Paladin said:

for all puzzles like that I use a mop sander.  Looks like it's cut out of at least 3/4" material?  It is stronger than you think if you use the mop sander gently.

What he said, and sand it one piece at a time

[FrankEV]

On 10/13/2020 at 11:04 AM, new2woodwrk said:

I cut this dragon this morning, and as someone had said so eloquently, it was a constant "breath hold" moment LOL

Anyway, now that it's cut I'm scared to sand the thing LOL

So, I'm looking for suggestions on how best to sand this without breaking the thing. I'm not considering using any of the machine sanders at the moment

The whole dragon measures 10" W x 1 3/4" H at it's widest point (just behind front claw)

Thanks as always in advance for reading

 

This is one piece and not a puzzle...correct?  A lot of replies seemed to think it was multiple pieces.

Your question is really how to hold it while sanding so it doesn't break at the weak points...Correct me if I'm wrong.

[new2woodwrk]

1 hour ago, FrankEV said:

This is one piece and not a puzzle...correct?  A lot of replies seemed to think it was multiple pieces.

Your question is really how to hold it while sanding so it doesn't break at the weak points...Correct me if I'm wrong.

It is indeed a puzzle with 7 pieces.

The problem areas are the scales that stick out all around the body

[FrankEV]

11 minutes ago, new2woodwrk said:

It is indeed a puzzle with 7 pieces.

The problem areas are the scales that stick out all around the body

I STAND CORRECTED.       

[amazingkevin]

On 10/13/2020 at 11:04 AM, new2woodwrk said:

I cut this dragon this morning, and as someone had said so eloquently, it was a constant "breath hold" moment LOL

Anyway, now that it's cut I'm scared to sand the thing LOL

So, I'm looking for suggestions on how best to sand this without breaking the thing. I'm not considering using any of the machine sanders at the moment

The whole dragon measures 10" W x 1 3/4" H at it's widest point (just behind front claw)

Thanks as always in advance for reading

 

Try sanding with an airbrush eraser.

[new2woodwrk]

16 hours ago, amazingkevin said:

Try sanding with an airbrush eraser.

That's a new one on me - gotta look that up

Ok, looked it up - a bit beyond my skill set I think - it's an abrasive correct? Like a mini sand blaster?

Edited October 15, 2020 by new2woodwrk

[amazingkevin]

Yes exactly! If you want to erease the #2 on your watch you can do that with out messing anything else up. That's precision!!!