MEDIUM SANDING STICK

Medium Sanding Stick, a medium coarseness stick from AK interactive

A sanding stick is a rigid stick with an abrasive layer that you hold directly in your hand and work with on small areas of a model. This one is designated as medium coarseness, the middle step in a range where the brand also has a coarse, a fine and an extra fine version. The degree of coarseness is the only difference between them, so choose by it according to the stage of the work you are at.

When to reach for medium coarseness

A medium grain is a working compromise: it removes material noticeably faster than the fine version, but it does not leave scratches as deep as the coarse one. It comes in once the rough shape is done, that is after the sprue gates have been cut off and the glued seam has been leveled for the first time, and the rest of the unevenness has to be brought flush but not yet polished. The rigid body of the stick holds a plane, which on the long seams of a fuselage is an advantage over abrasive paper held in the fingers, which follows every irregularity.

Use

• Leveling the remains of sprue gates and parting seams after a coarse cut.
• Bringing the glued seam of a fuselage, a wing or a hull flush.
• Sanding the transition after filling, before a finer grain has its turn.
• Adjusting the edges and mating surfaces of resin and plastic parts.

How to work with it

Sand in short strokes in one direction and check the shape as you go with a finger and against the light, because scratches from a medium grain will show under paint. Work with light pressure, as pressure does not speed the work up, it only deepens the mark. After medium coarseness always bring in a finer step, and clean the dust off the area before painting, otherwise flat streaks will appear under the coat.

Who the tools are for

For anyone who builds plastic and resin models and wants the sanding process divided into steps instead of one general purpose paper.

Sanding produces fine dust that is not to be breathed. Work in a ventilated room and wipe the surfaces down after sanding.