TOP TIP – sanding curved surfaces
When making the frame for the hobbit door, I had the problem of how to align and smooth the balsa, which has a rounded concave shape. The door frame (stock) is expected to be well finished, so I had to figure out how to align the recessed rounded surfaces. All my files and sanding pads are inadequate for such work, and because of the softness of the balsa, I was afraid that the rectangular shape of the sanding pads would damage the larger surface, so I would lose the effect I achieved by hollowing out the balsa part.
I found a quick and practical solution in GSW sanding sponges. It is sandpaper attached to a spongy base made of EVA foam. So far I have not been very satisfied with them because the spongy base allows (in my opinion) too much bending during sanding, so apart from smoothing rough surfaces (wood, plaster) I have not used them for anything else.
I used the paper template I used to trace the shape of the door onto the balsa. Using it, I drew a curved line on the sponge base, taking care to lose as little material as possible.
Then I cut off the excess material with a scalpel and got a rounded sanding pad that fit the shape that needed to be flattened. In fact, I quickly and easily got a "special" tool for my needs. Alignment of the balsa surface was quick, and it further emphasized the difference in height and transition line of the door frame. I think the Hobbit masters would be pleased. ;-)
Latest articles
- Roman Shield Freehand Marko Paunović, 16th May 2024
- How to pin a bust Krunoslav Belinić, 9th May 2024
- Forbidden Psalm Demo 03 Domagoj Krpan, 28th April 2024
- AGRAM LEGO SECTION - Fourth Lecture and Final Part of the Build Marko Paunović, 24th April 2024
- AGRAM LEGO SECTION - Third Lecture and Part Three of the Build Mario Grgurev, 18th April 2024
Latest battle-reports
- 22nd April 2022, GW - Warhammer 40.000, Borna Pleše (Space Marines) and Kristijan Kliska (Tau Empire)
- 17th November 2021, GW - Warhammer 40.000, and Nino Marasović (Space Marines)
- 27th October 2021, GW - Warhammer 40.000, Borna Pleše (Space Marines) and Josip Strnad (Space Marines)