Fine sanding on small items, 'spindle sander?'

[pokeberry mary]

I make things that are fairly small using poplar. I have arthritis issues and have been trying to do away with as much hand sanding as possible. I have a little belt sander and a dremel tool and flex shaft and a harbor freight version multi tool type thing, also a small rechargeable sander.. none of these are terribly 'perfect' for fine sanding. the belt thing has 120 grit paper, it is 1" x30" I don't think I can get that finer..? The rechargeable thing is pretty weak. the multi tool thing is too heavy for me. The dremel sanding things are too rough. I feel like goldilocks rejecting all the porridge on the table.
I am not terribly up on the best power tools but I still have my $200 that I got for Christmas and am thinking there must be something I can get that will do this.

Here are a couple links to the sort of things I need to sand:

Christmas Portrait Keepsake Its a Wonderful by PokeberryToyBox

Cat Wedding Cake Topper Sale Custom Animal Cake by PokeberryPatch

I've heard there's a gadget called a spindle sander that might be nice..

What would you use? thanks so much, from a flustered newbie.

[wood-n-things]

Just a tip...

Here is the preferred way to post photos. This method will apply a thumbnail so that messages load faster, keeping those who are still on dial up in mind.

If it is a new thread scroll down below the message box to additional options and look for manage attachments,Click on Manage Attachments, click Browse, find your file name on your computer, click it, then click Upload. It may take a few seconds to load.
Once you see the file name under current attachments you can close the window.
If you want you can Preview Post (a wise choice) then if all is well, click on Submit reply.

If you are uploading a picture to an existing thread (conversation)
Click on the Go Advanced button under the reply box, Click on Manage Attachments, click Browse, find your file name on your computer, click it, then click Upload. It may take a few seconds to load.
Once you see the file name under current attachments you can close the window.
If you want you can Preview Post (a wise choice) then if all is well, click on Submit reply.
Good luck

[pokeberry mary]

I will try that next time, thanks. I just got a new harddrive on my pc so I don't even have any photos stored on it at the moment they are all on my etsy shop. Lost scores of 'em in the crash.

Anyhow I will try to figure that out. thanks!

You are most welcome. If you post links to outside sources for pics sometimes your post gets placed on hold for moderation, thought this may help you speed things up. :+)

[RegisG]

For $200 look at the Ridgid oscillating edge belt spindle sander. Look at Home depot and all the reviews.

regis

[pokeberry mary]

thank you so much--I will look at that.

[wood-n-things]

I have had mine for several years and use it 2nd only to my random orbital sander.

[pokeberry mary]

the only thing is.. in looking at this product online... I already have a little 1 x 30 belt sander... seems like it would be overkill in $ for what I need. I just need to sand edges of small pieces--and I need it to be a fine grit--I'm hand sanding somewhat now-- at 220 & 320 grit. I'd like to be able to get that edge without making my fingers swell up. I can do the rougher sanding with my belt sander or my dremel tool. So maybe this is not quite 'it'.

[wood-n-things]

Get a mop sander then for the edges of things.

[pokeberry mary]

probably need to go take a look at this thingy up close.

[pokeberry mary]

mop sander... ok.. I'll look at those online and see what it is. I am pretty ignorant about tools.. been learning a lot the past year.

[wood-n-things]

Just do a google search....mop sander & sanding mops...

[Terry Jay]

Here is a link to Amazon for 1"x30" sanding belts http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...g+belt&x=0&y=0 On the first page I see 400 grit and finer.

Also look at Seyco for the mini flutterwheel, which you can use in a drill press or in a hand drill Flex Drum Sander

The spindle sander is a good tool but you will have to look hard for truly fine grit paper.

Another source for sandpaper is Klingspors Woodworking.
Terry

[pokeberry mary]

There we go! thank you! I was just over at the Lowes by us, and the finest 1 x 30 I could find is 120... never saw another toy there that got my interest. thank you!

[pokeberry mary]

Wow-- shipping cost is nuts!

$9 for the sanding belts and $10 to ship them? I sell mail order all the time and I know that isn't costing them half that to ship.

[louhodson]

Here is a link to Klingspors sanding supplies, etc. They have 1x30" belts up to 600 grit for $1.75 ea. (plus shipping). They also have 1/2x30" belts up to 180 grit. A look thru their online catalog may find just what you're looking for.

http://www.woodworkingshop.com/

Lou