I’m doing small engraving in 3D and was wondering if some of you have some idea on how I can speed up the sanding process of 4 inch or less hardwood engraving with intricate details. I was thinking a buffering wheel, but I’m not sure if buffing is actually removing material to “sand it” or if it’s just feeling micro holes with buffer paste to make it seems shiny.
I just don’t to have to do 25 small piece and go through all the sanding by hand and multiple sanding paper.
Can you show a picture that illustrates how much sanding you need to do, and how much detail the carving has?
On the 3D carvings I’ve done, I just use a stiff nylon scrub brush to remove any hairs/strings/fuzzies that get left.
If you rough down close (0.010"), then seal the wood really well with a good penetrating sealer, the finish cut comes out very smooth, with only a few ‘strings’ that didn’t get removed. Any small imperfections get filled in with the finish coat if you use a clear coat finish.