Recommend me a sanding board/long board

[Keith-i]

I'm replacing sections of rotten balsa core in my side decks as per the photo and will need to fair and sand once all the glass work is done. Can anyone provide me with some advice on the type and size of long board I should use? The decks have a slight contour to them and also a curve where it meets the side wall of the cabin. I'm thinking a rigid board will be adequate as the curvature is very shallow and I'm not looking for absolute perfection.

 

[oz-1]

I'm replacing sections of rotten balsa core in my side decks as per the photo and will need to fair and sand once all the glass work is done. Can anyone provide me with some advice on the type and size of long board I should use? The decks have a slight contour to them and also a curve where it meets the side wall of the cabin. I'm thinking a rigid board will be adequate as the curvature is very shallow and I'm not looking for absolute perfection.

Hi Keith-i, how about those hand sanders used for sanding the filled joints in dry lining in house building. They are about a foot long, have a stiff rubber backing and a strip of sanding paper is held in place by wing nuts either end. The sander also has a handle. They are available very cheaply from toolstation, as well as the sanding rolls. Best regards, Oz.

 

[PCUK]

I've found that 6mm ply works well for shallow curves. I am currently looking for a power longboard that doesn't cost a fortune.

 

[dankilb]

I’m not familiar with any usable (IMO) longboards available in the UK - even the expensive FlexiSanders now need import dues paying etc.

How about a piece of thin scrap ply, with handles (dowel/scrap/broomhandle!) epoxied to the back? Stick your sandpaper on with spray adhesive. Use until properly worn like the pros and glue another over the top… etc.

 

[lustyd]

My brother does this for a living and they just use bits of ply, no need for anything fancy.

 

[Keith-i]

Thanks for the comments and thoughts. I’ll knock something up out of plywood and see how I get on.

 

[Keith 66]

Go to your local car paint suppliers, Plastic Body files usually 18" long plus sanding strips by the box full, velcro or stick on, take your pick.
If you have a big compressor Air powered body files are good but you need at least 16cfm to drive one.
Rupes make a long bed fairing sander, quite a handful to use but effective, Bloody expensive though!