Sanding Tools

Sanding is rarely a favorite pastime, but it is nonetheless often a part of working with polymer clay. Some people have come up with clever ways to use power tools to reduce the strain of sanding. See the list below for sanding tools:

• Electric toothbrush (the type with the rotating circle of bristles): Cut circles of sandpaper and glue to bristles. If you have multiple "heads", you can make one for each grit of sandpaper. Ideal for sanding small items, like beads.
• Scumbuster (or other submersible scrubbers with rotating attachments): Adhere sandpaper to one of the attachments.
• Mouse Sander (not submersible, oscillating): Not meant for wet/dry sanding, so use a minimum of water with this tool. Works well for larger, flat areas.
• Tide Stain Brush (small, oscillating-head brush): Works well on small items. Attach (with hot glue, Velcro, etc.) small piece of sandpaper to the bristles.
• Rotary tools (like the Dremel): Use certain bits for sanding.
• Electric drills: Put the bead on a needle attached the drill so that it rotates as you hold it against stationary sandpaper.
• Micro Power Sander (small reciprocating sander from MicroMark): Useful for small items. Variety of shapes makes it versatile for reaching corners and covering curved surfaces.
• Contour Sander (from Dremel): Can be difficult to locate, but works well for unusually shaped/contoured pieces. Reaches nooks and crannies.

Glass Attic: Sanding and Tumbling
Compiled by Diane Black
http://www.glassattic.com/polymer/MainPages/sanding_tumbling.htm#power
Click the link at the top to go directly to the section of the page devoted to power tools.

Using a Scumbuster for Sanding
By Elizabeth Kedaakde
http://www.pcpolyzine.com/february2001/scumbuster.html

Polymer Clay Central discussion: Using Electric Toothbrushes for Sanding
Idea by Eva Mejsel
http://forums.delphiforums.com/polymerclay/messages?msg=38440.1

Detail Sander (Ex-Toothbrush) Tutorial
By June
http://www.planetjune.com/blog/detail-sander-ex-toothbrush/

Sanding with a Black&Decker Mouse
By Desiree McCrorey
http://www.desiredcreations.com/howTo_TLBDMouse.htm