Question for the intarsia enthusiasts

[scrollin4ever]

Ok, so I cut out all my pieces, as exactly as I could. They are all together--sort of. Now, I have to sand/dremel/shape each piece (?) right? And what do you do with the very small pieces that seem to me would allow the dremel to help shape your fingers? My scroll saw generally takes care of my manicures, but my fingers are shaped just fine.

Tips from here would be great! Yes, I have the directions, but any tips from you all that have been there and done that are SO appreciated!
Diane

[greatdane2]

If I can, I use 2 sided carpet tape to fasten little pieces on a stick. If they are too small, out comes the glue gun to fasten to a small dowel or whatever.

[Woodworking Plus]

Hi Diane
So you have cut all the pieces for your intarsia project and it is time to do some sanding and shaping.
On some of the larger pieces you can sand and shape using a flapper type sander but this might or might not work on some of the harder woods,in which case you may have to use a belt sander to do your rough shaping and contouring.
I personally use a 3x18" belt sander inverted so as to see what I am sanding and shaping.
On smaller pieces ( smaller than 2") i use my rotary tool set up with either a 1/2" or 1/4" sanding drum just holding the piece firmly between my fingers. Sounds tricky but can be done safely .For really small pieces I use the same technique but hold the pieces between my fingernails. There again sounds tricky but can be done. If any detail carving needs to be done that is best done by firmly holding the piece down on the workbench and carving the details in. I have my rotary tool set up with a flex shaft which makes it much easier to see what I am doing..Hope this helps you out'

Mike

[scrollin4ever]

Thanks Mike, yes that does help. I've got my dremel and a belt sander. I'm putting off getting started--as I do ALL new projects that make me nervous. LOL Think I'll go over and just DIG IN!

Greatdane: Sounds like sticky tape wouldn't be sturdy enough..........

Diane

[greatdane2]

Good quality carpet tape and also 2 sidded foam tape work great. there are times I have to cut the pieces off the stick so I don't break them.

[groverd]

If I feel the parts are to small for power sanding I do them manually. . parts that are that small do not take all that much time to form. Less chance of sanding to much off also

[Janette]

For the really small pieces, I hand sand...and yes it does a manicure too!