Robert Van Sant
Active member
As I proceed with my decoy rig overhaul I will be making eight new Cans to supplement the four Hilliard Cans that I have. One item that I use in shaping black cork bodies is a sanding bow. The one I fashioned years ago was a simple bow cut out of 3/4" plywood. The paper was held in place with push pins. It worked ok as long as you aren't aggressive. I decided to make a new one that would accommodate 2" wide sandpaper.
I laminated and screwed together three pieces of 3'4 common pine and cut to shape. I traced the handle shape from a crosscut saw. I fashioned the finger groves using my foredom. Instead of the old pushpin method I cut "V" shaped groves to hold the paper. I am using common shims to hold it firmly in place. I also glued cork gasket material to the "feet" so the paper won't tear from contact with sharp wood edges.
I laminated and screwed together three pieces of 3'4 common pine and cut to shape. I traced the handle shape from a crosscut saw. I fashioned the finger groves using my foredom. Instead of the old pushpin method I cut "V" shaped groves to hold the paper. I am using common shims to hold it firmly in place. I also glued cork gasket material to the "feet" so the paper won't tear from contact with sharp wood edges.
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