Help on sanding details?

[Gamertag]

i'm working on a mark vi and i honestly don't know how to sand it. does anyone have some good reference pictures from all angles? bondo can be a pain in the ass man.

 

[Katsu]

there are a lot of things that go into sanding, it depends on which aspect you are referring to.

In a nutshell, sanding involves the broad stroke sanding to smooth out broad flat surfaces, and detail sanding to grind out detail lines or hard to reach areas.

Broad sanding is done with either a powered or unpowered mouse sander, or your hand and a sheet of sandpaper. You want to lay bondo very smoothly and minimally, and the sanding should only really be to further smooth it. A lot of people glop a lot of bondo on and then spend hours trying to sand it to size. You save a ton of time if you use a spreader and make sure the bondo is applied neatly.

For detail sanding, you really need a decent rotary tool and high quality files. A set of diamond files will set you back like 10$ and last you years if you treat them right, and they have been integral in really cleaning up lines. Rotaries are needed to grind out details, cut out holes (vents, visors) and drill. While there are cheap-o rotaries for around 30$, a 100$ dremel will last six times longer. I know there is apprehension in sinking a lot of money on a tool, but Dremels have really good RPM control and components that won't melt down under extensive use like the cheaper ones.

If you have specific questions on sanding, pictures can help.

 

[stryde]

I haven't started on any halo projects yet, but I have to second Katsu's dremel suggestion. It's been extremely valuable on projects in the past. Also just as a heads up, since I work in a hardware store, Labor Day weekend is coming, so you may be able to find a pretty good deal on one.

 

[DeathFromAbove]

I recently purchased a Dremel 200 (base model) on Amazon for $45. Why Amazon? If you spend over a certain amount you can select "add on" items. I received free sanding bands and cutting wheels for free! Shipping was free as well...just a thought! Hope this helps.

 

[shotgun rumble]

I bought a dremel 7200 I think... The most expensive corded one and it was around 100$, ***whatever one you chose make sure it is powered from a wall socket*** due to the fact that they just don't have enough power and it's a hassle!!!

O and if you have a compressor you might want to look for one that can run off compressed air!

And buy dermal brand because they have a wide assortment of tools for your every desirable thing!

hope this helped! -chase

 

[Katsu]

Agreed. Battery powered rotaries of any kind are garbage.

On attachments, I got the set with a ton of them and there are a few useful ones, but a looooot of unitaskers with limited use, like the tile cutter and the chainsaw sharpener. The nice thing is there are good collets for them to take all sorts of different bits even outside their own brand.

I am not even sure this is the topic the OP meant, but it's a good discussion on the merits of quality rotaries. Glad to see so many with positive experiences, they're great tools.