Need help with sand mop questions

[Iamdusty]

I have never used a sand mop, but after reading some of the archived threads, it sounds like a very useful tool. I would probably buy one ready made rather than making one.

One of the concerns I have is whether it would be safe to use one on fine fretwork (example: "Tight Gate" by JZ) ? I use 2-0 spiral blades on these. Sometimes, getting rid of the fuzzies etc is a challenge. So far, I have been using a small butane torch on the back, but there are times when I would like to be able to sand more.

I noticed that the Mac Mop is popular with many of you. Would you recommend it or some other on fret work projects?

Thank you in advance for all your help.
Dale

[Janette]

I love my sanding mop, but I don't think it would be suitable for fragile fretwork. I get intarsia pieces "launched" into the shop all the time when using it. I think, unless you were extremely careful, you could trash a fretwork piece quite easily. I've used it a few times on my 1/8" baltic birch ply backing and if there's a thin area, it will break it.

[Iamdusty]

Thanks Janette. I feared that would probably be the case.
I still would like to get a sanding mop for other work. Any advice
re: MAC vs. other ?

[minowevie]

Hi Dale. I use my mop on fragile fretwork. but for JZ's. I don't think I would try that. his is soooooo fragile. good luck. your friend Evie

[Dragon]

I use a sanding mop but would not use it on extremely fragile stuff. I have used it on a delicate piece before and it ended up designer firewood.
Diane

[Rolf]

I use my mac mop on my delicate ornaments, VERY carefully and you have to make sure what direction you are sandingand that it is well supported, But a JZ design I am not sure I would do all areas..

[Erv 813]

DONT EVEN attempt to use a sanding mop on J Z's patterns!! Dont ask me how I know about this!! lol. On other patterns on thicker wood they work just fine, just be careful, use a slow speed(if possable) and watch witch way you orrent the work to the mop.
Ervin

[Iamdusty]

Thanks for all your input and I have a much better feel for what not to use a mop on.
Dale

[sawdustus]

Dale, one more late piece of info and a tip for hand sanding. Run your drill press at the slowest possible speed and just barely touch the mop with the piece. In effect you are lightly sanding the piece. For delicate fretwork, I like to put a piece of carpet padding on my workbench to hold the piece still and then sand very lightly by hand using circular motions in opposite directions.

george