Micro Power Sanders

[mtaylor]

MicroMark sells a micro power sander.  So far, it's worked very well for those areas I can't get my fat fingers into.  The sanding pads are sticky and hold well.  I've also been cheap and cut up sandpaper and rubber cemented it to the sanding "shape". 

 

 

 

Micromark also sells this one:

 

Again, I'm finding it very useful.  I found that the tips can be trimmed to fit openings (such as gunports) which makes it a lot easier to rough them in before using a sanding stick.

[Snowmans]

I made up a small sanding disc for my dremel tool. I found 25mm feet for furniture with the nail moulded into the plastic. Sanded the face to a flat and cut stick on sandpaper to fit. Works well in hard to reach places. Also shows the 2mm chisel I made from a spraygun needle.

 

 

[michael mott]

Clever I like the way things are used for additional purposes than they were designed for.

 

Michael

[Modeler12]

Mark, this micro sander looks a lot like my electric toothbrush sander. Mine costs about $15 versus yours at about $100.

See another post on this subject.

[mtaylor]

Jay,

 

I fiddled with one of those but I guess the cheap disposibles just aren't up to the task.  One of my little projects currently is figure out how to make a reciprocationg saw using these Xacto saw blades: 

 

 

[WackoWolf]

Mark,

 

     I got the first one you show but mine is by proxxon, which is basically the same as yours. I also have the same problem, fat fingers.

[Modeler12]

Mark,

I don't think the micro sander or toothbrush would have much umpphhh for the saw blades even if they are small.

 

I have considered using an electric hair clipper. That would give you plenty of power, does require an extension cord, but to adapt it to a sanding pad or the saw blade is tricky. The oscilating blade of the hair clipper goes sideways, not back and forth.

I have one of those trimmers for sideburns, and other facial hairs, but again they have no power.

Perhaps there are other small appliances that are better.

[Modeler12]

Mark here is another possibility. Look at the electric knives below. The handle is about seven inches long. The second model by Black&Decker sells for about $13.

In fact I may check this out for a stronger sander.

[mtaylor]

Jay,

That might be perfect.  I tried that second sander I posted but couldn't the blade mounted properly. 

[rtropp]

Mark,

just saw your post about the pen sander.  I am considering one.  Do you think the transformer with the speed control is necessary? If not, the set up would be a lot cheaper.

Thanks.

[mtaylor]

Transformer????  Micromark's just plugs into the wall socket (mains).  One speed and one speed only.  So far, it's been a blessing and saved my fingers hours of sanding decks and the ceiling.  And, yes, it if died tomorrow I'd be ordering another one.

[rtropp]

Mark,

I was thinking of the Proxxon sanding pen that requires a transformer.  I should have realized that Micromark would sell a similar item.  If the speed control is not a big deal, the Micromark without transformer would be the more convenient option.

Thanks for the info,

Richard

[rtropp]

Janos,

I now see that there are the two threads about speed control. 

I receive emails of the conversations I am following and my practice is to select the "topic can be found here..." link to go to the thread.  Without realizing it I ended up in the two, similar threads. This probably has been confusing things for me a little.

Lesson learned...

Thanks,

Richard

[rtropp]

Mark,

Is the Wahl sander effective with hull and deck, or for runs such as lintels? I.e., to keep fair.

Thanks, Richard

Edited July 4, 2013 by rtropp

[mtaylor]

Richard,

 

I use both tools.  The upper picture of my first post, the pen sander works well on the decks, hulls, etc.  The lower one, I've used for lintels and other things.  It's just becomes a choice of picking the right tool for the work in front of me. 

[rtropp]

Mark,

Thanks

Richard

[mtaylor]

I thought I'd update this a bit.  Being the rather frugal person (ok... cheap.  Let's call a spade a spade), I was looking for a way to save some money on the sanding pads for these sanders.   I finally found the answer....  Sanding disks from the local hardware store that have sticky back on them.  I figure that one pack of disks for the $7 I spent will make up for not spending $100 at Micromark for the specialized pads.   Just cut out a piece, put it on  the sander and trim.  And they seem to last longer (different material?) than the MM pads.

[rtropp]

Mark,

I agree.  I bought similar sticky back pads.  They are a lot less expensive, last longer and seem to work better.  I put some of the money saved into an extra set of tips so I can keep two grades ready.

 

Richard

[jburchfield1@wowway.com]

MicroMark sells a micro power sander.  So far, it's worked very well for those areas I can't get my fat fingers into.  The sanding pads are sticky and hold well.  I've also been cheap and cut up sandpaper and rubber cemented it to the sanding "shape". 

 

Been up and down about getting this.  Could have used it for fairing the inside of the Longboat.  Guess with this recommendation the matter is settled.  Got a birthday coming up and I'll be sure to let the kids know.  Probably need it when I get the Bounty Launch.

[mtaylor]

Janos,

 

I tried that but it didn't work for me for some reason.  Might the backing material on the sandpaper.  I did try rubber cement, contact cement and they wouldn't stick to the plastic part.  The next time I'm at the home improvement store I'll see what they have that might be different.

[gjdale]

Mark

there is even a simpler solution for this which I have been using with my Pen Sander for years. You just need the 'simple' sandpaper (no need for adhesive back) and a thin  double sided tape (the one used for carpets is excellent). Simpler, cheaper, and works beautifully!

Janos

Great tip thanks Janos!

[Jack Panzeca]

I have been using Great Planes sticky back sandpaper that was meant to be used on their aluminum hand sander.  I got it from Tower Hobbies. The roll is 12 feet long and cost about $8.00.  I just cut a piece off and stick it to the pad.  It sticks well and the grit lasts longer than the Micro Mark version which is hugely expensive.  I bought this roll when I started the Oseberg and as you can see the roll seems to last forever.

 

  

 

I have had both of these tools for more than 10 years.  The pen sander just chugs along and with no signs of giving up.  I have had to replace the tips over the years because I just wore them out.  The Wahl sander is cordless and I have replaced the battery and now the switch is going south.  I will replace it when it finally gives up but I will probably buy the corded version.

[Perls]

Hi Mark,

 

I've just been going through this forum and my attention span isn't what it should be after a long intense day and a couple of adult beverages. I follow the info on the pads, but what are you using them on?

 

Best,

Steve

[mtaylor]

Steve,

 

See the very first post of this topic:  http://modelshipworld.com/index.php/topic/341-micro-power-sanders/?p=3246

[Perls]

Hi Mark,

 

I just checked out the first post and then checked out Micro Mark. $92.65 for the micro sander? I guess we have different ideas on frugal. My idea is to glue some sandpaper to a Popsicle stick, drink about 5 cups of strong coffee, and become an "organic" sanding machine. :)

 

Best,

Steve

[mtaylor]

Yike... when I bought mine, there were a lot less.     The popsicle stick idea works well as use it a lot.

[Chuck Seiler]

Hi Mark,

 

I just checked out the first post and then checked out Micro Mark. $92.65 for the micro sander? I guess we have different ideas on frugal. My idea is to glue some sandpaper to a Popsicle stick, drink about 5 cups of strong coffee, and become an "organic" sanding machine. :)

 

Best,

Steve

Yeah, but now you are spending a fortune for coffee.   

[mtaylor]

Chuck.

 

Coffee and/or adult beverages are part of the "normal" expenses.    :)  

 

BTW, there are similar sanders available out there at less money.  Probably made by the same people in China but under a different name.  I found the same mini-chop saw that MM sells for ~$100 US at Harbor Freight for ~$25. 

[Perls]

Thanks Mark,

 

I'm a complete tool junkie....I'll check out HF.

 

Best,

Steve

[Jack12477]

Hi Mark,

 

I just checked out the first post and then checked out Micro Mark. $92.65 for the micro sander? I guess we have different ideas on frugal. My idea is to glue some sandpaper to a Popsicle stick, drink about 5 cups of strong coffee, and become an "organic" sanding machine. :)

 

Best,

Steve

 Steve, Mark

 

I just bought one this summer from MM on sale for less than $80 (US) based on the recommendations of many on these forums.  Steve you can also use the "nail file" emery sticks you can get in an drug store or grocery - they have a different grit on each side. Have used them for over a year and they work fine. Seem to last quite a while as well.

 

Jack