Which diameters and grits for pneumatic sanding sleeves

[Old Forester]

I didn't know whether to put this under intarsia or tools, but here it is...

I'm planning to try my hand at intarsia and keep reading that pneumatic sanding drums are really useful in this craft. I have been considering pneumatic sanding drums in diameters, 3", 4" and 6" by 6 inches long. Is buying all three sizes of these drums overkill?? I originally thought of buying the 3" and 6" diameters only. I also wondered which grit sleeves would be the most useful for intarsia? Also, are there any other sander/buffer accessories that would be useful to have? My Jet buffing/sanding machine has two 8" arbors. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

[workin for wood]

I don't use the pneumatic drums, just a stationary belt sander and a spindle sander. Either way, I use grits of 150 the most, sometimes 120.

[Janette]

I use the flex drum sanders you can buy from JGR. I shape the majority of it with 180 then go over each piece with 220 - before hand sanding.

I haven't tried a pneumatic but it's probably the same effect- softer when you need it to be. I've gotten quite a bit of use from my osc. spindle sander and find all the sizes useful. the tiny spindle for small hard to get areas, and the jumbo size for big areas and quick removal of material prior to using the flex drum.

I think it will be a good investment for you- probably last longer than my flex drum sanders- I go through them quite quickly. As to size- I think at least 2- a narrower one for curved areas that are smaller, and a bigger one for all around use.

[lucky788scroller]

I think you would get the best bang for your buck by buying simply the 6 inch inflatable drum, and 150 sleeves, and buying a double thick mop sander in a 180 or 220 grit, and use the extra money to buy dustmasks , because youll be amazed how much dust you will have flying! I dont really see a need for all three of those sizes of inflatable drums. Dale

[Rolf]

Being a relative rookie to intarsia compared to Janette and Jeff. I have a set of 3 inflatable drums, the Jett spindle sander and a couple of sanding mops.
Depending on the size of my pieces determines what methode or tool that I use. The dust masks are a must.

[Old Forester]

Thanks for your input. I probably should have just asked what kind of sanding equipment you all use for intarsia. I have the belt/disc sander and several hand sanders for general woodworking, but I keep reading that intarsia requires some specialized equipment, such as the pneumatic drum sanders (as per J G Roberts). It sounds like the osc. spindle sander is also an important tool to this kind of work. anyway....many thanks for your info. I appreciate your taking the time.

[f250]

I also am a rookie in intarsia, but nothing has been even close to as valuable as my osc spindle sander. I used to just use a drum on the drill press, but never again!