Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: Ticonderoga on October 13, 2010, 06:34:41 am

Title: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: Ticonderoga on October 13, 2010, 06:34:41 am
Hello all,

Does any one have any good tips on Sanding hulls? I am particularly interested to hear about sanding on curves (concave and convex) and avoiding "flat spots".

Advice gratefully accepted.

Andrew   :-))
Title: Re: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: derekwarner on October 13, 2010, 07:04:17 am
Andrew.....very few have a robotic [3D] mind to sanding hand relationship, however a flat cork board for concave & a thin contoured cork board for convex profiles will always assist when sanding to achieve the perception of an ever changing flatness %% on these surfaces

Naturally the material being sanded always varies in our visual perspective ...wood can change colour/tone as the contour changes & create sometimes false visual impressions of smoothness or flatness

Same applies to fiberglass surfaces............one trick to consider is as the trueness to final shape gets close ....spray the surface with a suitable undercoat & let dry....this helps in hightlighting any contour defect & provides a witness in the reclamation sanding process.....sometimes you may remove 80% of your first undercoat...& need to apply successive coats.......good luck....Derek :-))

Title: Re: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: tigertiger on October 13, 2010, 09:06:12 am
I have some rounded sanding blocks, and use these on convex curves.
Title: Re: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: Circlip on October 13, 2010, 03:25:08 pm
Have a couple with garnett paper stuck onto chipboard blocks with double sided tape and some with the abrasive stuck onto hard foam rubber blocks.

  Regards  Ian.
Title: Re: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: grasshopper on October 13, 2010, 03:32:53 pm
All of the previous advice, tools and equipment plus my contribution:
Go steady, take your time and do a lot of feeling and stroking as well as looking - look upon it as a pleasure and not a chore.



Oh! and wear a mask....
Title: Re: Shaping and Sanding
Post by: Ticonderoga on October 13, 2010, 09:09:08 pm
Thanks everyone for the hints and the encouragement. :-))

A few therapeutic hours ahead of me very soon I think. %)  %)