Official Luthiers Forum!

Ye Luthiers all,

I'd like to pass on a tip about a small micro sanding tool that I have found useful, a model maker friend of mine gave me the idea. It's a power oscilating sander with a tip diameter of about 1/2", I use it for sanding and buffing in small areas like slot heads etc. The total cost of the system with four interchangeable sanding/polishing heads was only about $25, plus 15 minutes of adaptation.

OK, I admit it, it started out life as an electric toothbrush! Razor off the bristles, add some adhesive closed cell foam and then a small pad of hook and loop paper and there you go a small oscilating sander. Change heads for different grades, or use one for as a buffing head. Swap the heads over and you can even clean your teeth with it!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Thanks for the great idea, Colin. I've got a lap dulcimer in the pipeline, and I've been wondering how I'll buff the tight spots around the peg head. This should work great.

Thanks,
BruceH

That's a very cool idea, Colin! Perfect for slotheads! Thanks for the tip.

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Colin,

Great idea. Worth a try for sure.

Jeff

Oooh. Well, I know what I'll be doing with my old Braun toothbrush heads from now on, that's certain...

Great idea! I put one in the shop for cleaning Gibson electric bridges/saddles. Just keep an extra head that's a little worn out (new ones are pricey)

Mattia, Braun is the brand I use, wait for the poll, "Favourite brand of Electric toothbrush" I bet Porter Cable wins!

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

Great Idea Colin
   And if the plack is really bad on your teeth just use the sand paper for that too.
   I think you have a possible solution for one of the most vexing problems in making a slothead.

John

Thanks, Colin. And, in keeping with your solution, toothpaste makes a fine polishing compound. There is a super fine abrasive suspended in the mix... plus it smells great, to boot. (Well, Colgate does.)

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

I love ideas like this! I will find a use for it, no doubt about that. Thanks colin.

Here's a thought....
Anyone have any of those impossible to find Sandvik sanding plates? Attach that to the head and you can use it for getting the old glue off a loose brace that needs re-glued, but not removed. Same applies to the placque, just watch those gum lines. YOUCH!!!