trouble with scales

B

Bazzle

Joined
Dec 17, 2013
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151
Cut a block of spalted maple burl (stabilized) in half to create scales. When I attempted to clean up and flatten the cut, it remained crowned. I tried two flat sanders (4"x36", 3"x48"), also tried just grinding the middle on a 2"x72".

The outside seams to be flat, just having trouble getting the inside flat.

Any thoughts, experiences, ideas? Thanks
 
Use a fresh and sharp belt. 50 grit is good for the insides.
Don't get them hot.
Go slow. Grind a bit on one, do the other, etc. until both ate flat. If they get warm, set then down and let them cool off.
Once flat, rubber band them together, or to the sides of a flat bar of steel. St aside for a couple days to equalize.
 
One way is by hand with sandpaper on a flat surface like a piece of glass.
Then when you set them aside stand them on edge instead of laying flat.
 
Time to buy a disc grinder! I've had the same problem when trying to initially flatten split blocks. I found a 60grit disc works great. Once they are flat, I have no trouble bringing them up the grits on my 2x72.

Bob
 
Even on a disc grinder I still have trouble sometimes getting scales flat. Getting them close with machines then truing them up with hand sanding on a granite surface plate works for me. When Working with sanders, either disc or belt, my suggestion is to use a light touch. When you push with some force you are almost always putting more pressure in one spot than another (possibly flexing the material) and will end up with a crowned surface. Less pressure and a lighter touch will keep the piece from flexing and the disc or belt will have a better chance of cutting a flatter surface.
 
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