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Day 39 How to Make Mini Sandpaper Holders (Tool Modification)

OK, if you have been around JewelryMonk.com for very long, you know I really enjoy making or modifying my own tools. I have touched on this tool before, but today I will show you how to make a little sandpaper holder to get into those tight spots.

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I always seem to have Brazing Rod around and fortunately, you can get brazing rod (or brass rod) in 3/32″ diameter, which just so happens to be the standard size shank for most burs, and my #10 Quick Change Foredom Handpiece. So I cut a few pieces off, about an inch long, I make one with a flat end and one with a tapered end. I use an old #4 Flat Hand File for this. I also clean the brass up by spinning it in my Foredom and holding a piece of 600 GritSandpaper to the brass.

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I next mount the brass piece in a Pin Vise and use a Saw Frame to cut the slit in the end. I use a 3/0 Saw Blade. This can be tricky, so I make my first mark carefully. I draw the blade about 3 times at about a 45 degree angle, then cut from the opposite side, taking about 3 cuts. I repeat this till I have cut a slit about 1/2 inch long.

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Now add a small strip of Sandpaper, I have a few of these around with 320, 400, and 600 grit sandpaper for different uses. If the sandpaper doesn’t stay firmly in the split end of the brass, you can squeeze the end together slightly to add a little “pinch” of the paper. These little tools can get into tight areas, sand small pieces, and clean up inside of settings like a dream.

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Thanks for following along on this journey with me and putting up with my “Tool Geekery”

Now go make today a good one!

Doug

7 thoughts on “Day 39 How to Make Mini Sandpaper Holders (Tool Modification)”

  1. Angella Baird

    I bought a couple of split mandrels for my dremel for this purpose. I really want to use them but I must be doing something wrong because the paper flies out of them a high speed. I then sticky taped the paper to the mandrel but the length of it flaps around like crazy. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks Ange

    1. JewelryMonk

      Thanks Ange, there are a couple of things you can do. You can either fold the end of the sandpaper in half to make it thicker so it stays in the “split” tighter. You can also squeeze the mandrel with pliers so it pinches the sandpaper a little better. Check the blog post on Aug. 11 to see this better.
      Thanks
      Doug

  3. Betsy Lurey

    Hi Doug,

    Thank you for your blog! I am learning a lot from you but have some questions. Is it alright to contact you?

    I saw an interesting story on 60 Minutes tonight about the popular GoPro camera that sports enthusiasts are using. Camera fits like a visor and
    there are many other configurations! It would be wonderful if you would add videos to your instruction! http://gopro.com/

    Take care,

    Betsy Lurey

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