A conical sander...

[Simpo Two]

I'm building a model boat... the hull is a complex shape and I've just finished planking it. However as usual much sanding is needed to get the shape perfect.

Normally I use an orbital sander, but this needs a bit more fettling due to some concave curves. What would be really handy is a conical drum sander - that fits in an electric drill - so I have infinite diameters to work with and can achieve the curves exactly.

Does such a thing exist? All ideas welcome!

[PositronicRay]

Simpo Two said:

I'm building a model boat... the hull is a complex shape and I've just finished planking it. However as usual much sanding is needed to get the shape perfect.

Normally I use an orbital sander, but this needs a bit more fettling due to some concave curves. What would be really handy is a conical drum sander - that fits in an electric drill - so I have infinite diameters to work with and can achieve the curves exactly.

Does such a thing exist? All ideas welcome!

Is a Dremel too small?

[OutInTheShed]

I was looking at a random website or two today, I came across diamond coated shaped router bits.
Dremel me badly!

Personally I often find the more that's done with edge tools and the less with sanders, the better.
Make a shaped carbide scraper or some thing?

[No ideas for a name]

Simpo Two said:

I'm building a model boat... the hull is a complex shape and I've just finished planking it. However as usual much sanding is needed to get the shape perfect.

Normally I use an orbital sander, but this needs a bit more fettling due to some concave curves. What would be really handy is a conical drum sander - that fits in an electric drill - so I have infinite diameters to work with and can achieve the curves exactly.

Does such a thing exist? All ideas welcome!

Maybe this sort of thing?
https://www.amazon.com/Abrasive-Sandpaper-Aluminum...

[GliderRider]

Permagrit make some conical tungsten carbide abrasive bits:

Permagrit small rotary tools

Permagrit large rotary tools

[Simpo Two]

PositronicRay said:

Is a Dremel too small?

Yep, way too small - we're talking 2-5" diameter - bobbin sander territory. I have a bobbin sander but it's no use in this case.Something like a bobbin sander drum, only tapered...

[Regbuser]

Scruff balls > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164711997147?var=0&...

Bowl Sander pads > https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233368936412?hash=item3...

[WelshRich]

Sanding mop

https://www.sealantsandtoolsdirect.co.uk/index.php...

[Simpo Two]

Regbuser said:

Scruff balls

Bowl Sander pads

WelshRich said:

Sanding mop

Worthy ideas, thanks. I think the scruff balls and sanding mop will be too compliant; I need to force an exact curve into the wood, if you know what I mean. The bowl sanders might work as they could be angled to get different radii, but I'd have to be careful about the edge digging in.



I have a lathe - I might even turn a cone and stick sandpaper on it!!

[Simpo Two]

Another summary - I took the three biggest sanding drums from the bobbin sander and used them by hand. Adjusting the angle alters the radius.