Is this to bevel fins?
Greg
If I want some balsa sculpturing done, I go to the Sandman.
More please?
For beveling, how about a hobby plane? The David Combi plane on this website was highly recommended by John Boren in a thread about the new Honest John, and how to taper the fins.
https://www.foamez.com/shaping-surfboards-surfboard-shaping-hand-tools-c-2_24.html
Have you considered a Great Planes sander block?
They have them in 5.5", 11", 22" and others...
I think for balsa you are better off making a fixed angle sanding jig.
Maybe like this?
[YOUTUBE]6qXcicv0QJw[/YOUTUBE]
Greg
Masking tape. Masking tape prevents over-sanding. Mask off the boundaries and use a sanding block, tell us how it goes (use scrap balsa to make a practice fin).I'll check that one too. I have several builds coming up that require beveling for proper finishing.
What grit do you use? 320 seems like it would cut through the tape.
Incongruent is right on here:
Plain old masking tape makes a wonderful sanding stop for Beveling and Airfoiling Balsa and Basswood. Competitiion flyer have used this technique for decades to create true airfoils on Glider Wings and Helicopter Rotors. It's even simplier creating very level bevels. All thats needed is a good level surface and a sanding block.
A sheet of Plate Glass makes a wonderful sanding base.
Treat the balsa with thin CA and it'll get rock hard. You can then use standard power tools on it.
-Aaron
That's a good idea. How much weight does it add?
And that brings up another question. CA vs Wood Hardner. Pros and cons?
It adds minimal weight but you can test it out ahead of time with a fine digital scale and some scrap balsa.
I use thin CA as it is the consistency of water, can cure instantly (with accelerator) and can be used on paper shrouds as well.
-Aaron
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