I feel silly asking, but I was using a portable spindle sander tonight on a piece of cedar. I found it hard to use it without leaving ridges. I tried using it fast & slow, I came to the opinion that moving it slower over the work was better. Any tips? Maybe using a table mounted one is easier. I thought it would be very easy to fair out a curve using it.
Chris
What portable spindle sander are you using and at what grit?
Look into oscillating spindle sanders. I think the oscillations make it possible to avoid this problem. I bought a rigid that received very high marks in a recent issue of Fine Woodworking magazine. Does both spindle and belt sanding with oscillations.
easier. I
it.
What you tried to do is not easy.
Think of a router in a table with a reference pin installed to allow you control of the piece as it approaches the bit.
You have essentially the same task with your sander.
If this is a concave curve, then you have little choice.
If this is a convex curve, then it is impossible to beat a fairing board and a batten.
When your arms feel like they are ready to drop off, your piece is fair.
Lew
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