Hey folks,
I’ve got a hard maple top on an island I need to sand down slightly due to some minor wear. Only problem is that its in the kitchen and its too large (4’ x 7’) and too attached to move to sand outside. All my sanders have vac attachments but they don’t work 100% and I really don’t want a layer of saw dust all around the house. Any thoughts?
I could use a scrapper but not sure how smooth I can get it.
Any unique ideas for dust control? Thanks
Mike
Replies
I have this problem too. I usually just time the sanding to spring cleaning.
But I saw a guy on TV recently doing one using a wood scraper rather than a paint scraper. Was a handleless tool with about a 3-4" blade....very thin and sharp. He did no sanding at all, but you know TV.
Never saw the tool b4, but figure that it might be found at WoodCraft or Woodworker's Supply. Thought I'd try that next time.
ShelleyinNM
Shelley,
I've got one and used it before. Works well, just the hard maple dulls it really fast!
Mike
Well, suppose that you could build a tent around it. I've thought of that but I've got these goofy vaulted ceilings. But I've done that with hw floors and drywall and the dust still gets through.
I need to do mine now. I just look at it and sigh. I'm real close to declaring it patina. Sanding, for me, takes forever. Mineral oil that I use loads up the sander immediately regardless of the grit I use.
Since I was raised with Formica I never use it as a chopping block. Am considering doing it one last time and putting a more permanent finish on it.
Hope someone comes up with an answer.
ShelleyinNM
Mike:
If you have access to one, borrow the vacuum portion of the Porter Cable drywall sander. Most orbital sanders have a dust port on them and you can pick up a little adapter for about two bucks that will let you hook up the sander to the beast. Dust infiltration (assuming that you use the right sandpaper/hole configuration) is minimal as this bad boy really "sucks!" Give it a shot, I use this set up all the time in my shop with all kinds of small tools, biscuit joiners, routers, SCMS, etc. Let me know how you make out.
Cheers,
Jeff
Jeff,
Good idea. I'll have to scout one up and give it a try. Thanks
Mike
Hi Mike
I have two suggestions. Get some cabinet scrapers 7 to 8 dollars from http://www.leevalley.com
or wet the surface and use wet dry aluminum oxide paper on a random orbital sander. Wetting the surface will bring up the grain-less effective on hard maple but will keep down the dust
Cheers
Mac
If you have never used a cabinet scraper, you are in for some sore thumbs, unless you buy the holder for it. These are easy to sharpen(putting a Burr on a extremely square/sharp edge. takes some practice. But when you are proficient with it, sanding is almost not needed. If you don't want to take the time to master it on this job, mask the room, open a window and go for it!. When you are done, tell your wife you pulled your back out and she will have to clean up the mess. Give her a big kiss and tell her you will take her out for dinner -her resturant of choice. You will have an amazing recovery the next moring, I guarantee it! ;)
I use a 5" 5 hole diameter ramdom orbit Porter Cable sander with dust pick up take off the dust collector it is useless anyway add an adaptor. That is the tricky part mine is salvaged form a drywall sander with dust pick up, it happens to be a perfect fit, PC may sell one as an option. Attach the hose to it connect to my rigid shop vac with high effencity filter. Thirtysix grit paper and go at it. 99% dust free.