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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: Spartan scroller on December 03, 2012, 05:34:10 pm
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Hey Everybody:
Been trying to make letter openers an am having a problem sanding the edges sharp. What is the technique for this? Do you use a belt sander? Do you hold it at a particular angle? I'm using 1/2 inch walnut. Probably too thick. I have ruined three so far. any help would be appreciated.
Terry
terrysscrollshoppe.com (http://terrysscrollshoppe.com)
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I think 1/2" is way too thick. I'd use 1/8" if possible. I made some that were just over 1/8" (which seemed a little thick) and just put them to the belt sander to sharpen. If I make any more, I may try making the blade from 1/16" and laminating contrasting wood for the handle.
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I use 1/4 Baltic Birch and sand the the blade with a belt sander then finish by hand . Skiving away the thickness on Baltic Birch leaves a very pretty design on the blade.
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Yep 1/4" for me as Well. Work it down on the belt sander. I always draw a center line down the blade portion of my openers so that I can put a good even sand job on both sides. The angle doesn't matter to much. I think you will notice a huge difference if you switch to a thinner wood.
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Yes I figured half inch was too thick. I'm using Steve's desing for the Dragon letter opener from is pattern catalogue. The plan calls for 3/8 or half inch. I have done some with 1/4 inch a little better results but I'm still not very good at it. Usually wind up with a narrow needle like blade. Not giving up yet. Gonna try some 1/4 inch.
Thanks all,
Terry
terrysscrollshoppe.com (http://terrysscrollshoppe.com)
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Hey Terry....I made several letter openers. One the same pattern from Steve. I did mess the first one up pretty badly and tossed it, but learned using a belt sander I have to be extra careful. Keep thinking about whats happening. And Whalla....I got pretty darn good at sharpening a wooden blade. LOL Danny :+}
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It takes practice to sharpen the blades, I do mine on a belt sander and finish hand sanding as Judy does
Jimbo
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Thanks Danny, I can see there is a learning curve here on how to sand the blade edges. I tried again with 1/4 inch and got much better results but still not quite satisfactory. Still have bumps and ridges but when hand sanded they look a little better. I can see I need to cut and sand a lot more of these before I get em to my standards. I'm my own worst critic, as I am sure a lot of us are. Thanks for the encouragement and have a blessed Holiday Season. (of course that goes to all on the forum).
Terry
terrysscrolleshoppe.com (http://terrysscrolleshoppe.com)