New finishing sander

[Atlas Knife Company]

I haven't used a pad sander for finishing in a long time since I was just starting, but it seems that my hands don't appreciate it anymore. Dave tells me he uses the pad sander up through the grits and only does the last grit actually by hand. His knives are things of beauty, so I can't argue with his methods. I need a 1/4 sheet sander, preferably something quieter that I can easily remove the foam rubber platen and install a hard platen on it.

Now, I understand the world is divided into two different religions on this subject. If you fall into the "hand sanding means hand sanding, no machines allowed", please don't clutter up the thread.

 

[AVigil]

I bet you could modify one of those HF oscillating multifunction power tools

 

[JG Custom Metal Works]

You know, I've thought about that before but haven't ever tried it. I'll be interested to see if anyone has tried this. I HATE hand sanding but I've resigned myself to it because it looks so good.

It would be nice to figure out an easier way to go about it. My concern would be whether you would be able to get up into the plunge good enough. I imagine, if you could, you might need to go back over the flats.

 

[Nic.]

I have talked to a few well respected makers who use a palm sander for the initial grits who make beautiful knives! Plunge lines could definitely be an issue though.

 

[S.Alexander]

In the long, dark hours of hand sanding I have often wondered about using a palm sander to save time. I am curious to hear more...

 

[AVigil]

Also if you work to a 400 grit gator then to a 800 or 1000 grit cork belt most the work will be done for you and the hand sanding is a breeze from that point.