Think big, sand small -- The Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander

If you sand really small wood, metal, or plastic surfaces, this pen sander may be a HUGE time-saver.

From the product description

Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander sands linearly where space is at a premium. This superfine sander with linear sanding motion operates at 8,000 strokes per minute with a 3/32" stroke. Superfine finishing of wooden, plastic or metal surfaces can be done in less time hands can do without big efforts. It is ideal for surfaces, slots and tight corners. Included are four sanding attachments with straight shanks and four with angled shanks -four different shapes per shank style- as well as three sheets of pre-profiled self-adhesive sanding pads. The sheets are 180, 240 and 400 grit with 5 of each shape per sheet.

NOTE: To operate, this unit requires a 12-volt transformer such as the Proxxon 38704 Heavy Duty Transformer

Here's a link to more info on the Proxxon Pen Sander.

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Proxxon 5" disc sander, a precision device for fine sanding work

I have two Proxxon benchtop tools -- the table saw and miter saw. These tools are of excellent quality and just the right size for an automaton-maker or model maker. I have had my eye on Proxxon's bench sander for quite a while. At long last, a good Samaritan has taken the time to review it on Amazon! I'm going to quote from that review here, because it is some of the best information I've found about his tool so far:

From one Amazon review:

After looking for a disc sander for model hobby needs, I finally settled down on this disc sander. While a bit spendy, the quality more than justified the purchase. I will have this tool for decades; and I'm not having to return some other tool. This is the first product I have purchased in quite a while WITHOUT a tag saying "made in china". It's about time.

I went with this model because of significant problems I'd encounter with all the other products available:

• All the other disc sanders were too big
  
• They didn't have a slow enough "slow" speed setting, or no speed adjustment at all
  
• None in this size had a vacuum connection
  
• The other one from micromark had a foot-pedal from a sewing machine to set the speed (microlux)
  
• Low quality and difficult adjusting sanding table/gauge
  
• Overall quality factors
  

After receiving this product and trying it out, wow. This is a quality machine. It hogs out balsa and light ply at a crawl when I want, and eats it away when I want it to. The dust vacuum port is very effective (and entirely necessary). This is the perfect complement to my scroll saw. The table for resting the wood is firm, easily adjusted, precise and accurate. The variable speed control is extremely smooth. The silicone faced disc makes for easy changes of the sand paper. I am producing model parts at a very fast rate, I cant wait to get started on the next build.

The reviewer goes on to say that this sander is for specifically model and miniature makers. Don't expect it to take the place of a 10 or 16" disk sander for a full size woodworking shop. That said, the Proxxon Disc Sander is of a size and quality that no other tool in the category can match.

Here's what the sander looks like when mounted to the bench in the other orientation:

Here's a link to a lot more info on Proxxon Disc Sander.

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Monster Head Study No. 4 - The Aquatic Creature

Dug North's Monster Head Study No. 4

Yet again, it's been a while since I shared with you one of my little monster head studies. For a little background, here is where you can catch up on my posts about Monster Head Study No. 1 and Monster Head Study No. 2. and Monster Head Study No. 3. This one would be No. 4.

As with the other  monster heads thus far, this one started out as a 1 inch diameter hardwood ball. These come in packs of 12 and are free of knots. They are quite hard and difficult carve with a carving knife or gouges. Whereas for Monster Head No. 3, I used Kutzall carving burrs in a Dremel rotary tool, this time I took a different approach altogether. Actually, for this head I didn't really "carve" at all! The entire thing was shaped on a 1 inch belt sander. Mine is a sturdy homemade unit that my friend gave to me. It belonged to his grandfather, who was an engineer turned toy-maker. Not only is it a great tool (the motor is bigger than most), but I enjoy the thought that it has been used to make mechanical wooden things for three generations.

As you can see, the head is basically a sphere with a number of flat planes sanded into it. Even the mouth was shaped on the sander. By using the edge of the sanding belt, I could notch into the wooden ball. It's not the most detailed mouth ever, but it gets the idea across.

I cut a tiny wooden spool in half and those became the ears for the monster. The eyes were drilled into the front of the face. Into the resulting holes, I placed glass beads tinted just a little bit blue-green. I finished off the eyes by pressing small brass grommets into the eye sockets and securing them with a bit of cyanoacrylate glue. I tend to use Krazy Glue Advanced Formula Gel. It dries just a bit slower than regular Krazy Glue and can be spread easily with a toothpick. I drilled two small holes into the roof of the monster's mouth. I cut the heads off of two short brass brads and glued them into the holes to form a pair of crude fangs. I used an awl to press tiny nostrils into the front of the face. Finally, I sanded a curve into a 1 inch wooden disc using a 1/4" drum sander (see right). This formed the crest that I glued to the top of the monster's head.

I made this one very, very quickly. The overall effect suggests that this is some kind of aquatic monster. I never start out with a plan for these little guys, so this was a surprise -- even to me! While I like elements of this one, it's not quite as sinister or dangerous looking as some of the others. It almost looks friendly! GASP!

I hope you liked learning a bit about this little carved monster head. There are many more to come so stay tuned.

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Proxxon disc sander works horizontally or vertically

My homemade second-hand 1" belt sander gets a lot of use in my shop, but I could use something a little more precise at times. This bench sander fits the bill perfectly. I'm adding this to my wish list. I have two Proxxon benchtop tools -- the table saw and miter saw. These tools are, in a word, awesome. I have a lot of faith in this brand.

From the product description:

For all types of wood, steel, non-ferrous and precious metals, plastics, plexiglass and fiberglass. Vibration-free running due to a powerful and balanced DC motor housing made of fiberglass reinforced Polyamid. Aluminum table is adjustable to include 50 degrees downward and 10 degree upward with miter gauge. The adhesive sanding discs can be easily removed after use. Two additional square silicon sheets ensure that used discs can be stored and reused as necessary. Proxxon Disc Sander can be mounted horizontally or vertically to a table or work bench.

Here's what the sander looks like when mounted to the bench in the other orientation:

Here's a link to a lot more info on Proxxon Disc Sander

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Sand tight spots with the Proxxon Pen Sander

If you sand really small wood, metal, or plastic surfaces, this pen sander may be a HUGE time-saver.

From the product description

Proxxon 12-Volt Pen Sander sands linearly where space is at a premium. This superfine sander with linear sanding motion operates at 8,000 strokes per minute with a 3/32" stroke. Superfine finishing of wooden, plastic or metal surfaces can be done in less time hands can do without big efforts. It is ideal for surfaces, slots and tight corners. Included are four sanding attachments with straight shanks and four with angled shanks -four different shapes per shank style- as well as three sheets of pre-profiled self-adhesive sanding pads. The sheets are 180, 240 and 400 grit with 5 of each shape per sheet.

NOTE: To operate, this unit requires a 12-volt transformer such as the Proxxon 38704 Heavy Duty Transformer

Here's a link to more info on the Proxxon Pen Sander.

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Proxxon hand-held minature belt sander

Designed for sanding in spots where there is limited space, this little power belt sander works on flat surfaces, corners, and curves. The sanding head tilts to provide access to difficult spots. The belt speeds may be adjusted from 300 fpm to 700 fpm. The sander features a quick and easy belt change system and belts that come in 80, 120, and 180 grit.

Here the link for the Proxxon Hand Held Belt Sander

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