PocketShip.net

I went to my local tool store yesterday and picked up a Fein Multimaster and the profile sanding kit. The large curved sanding pad in the profile kit made quick work of my ugly fillets. This was by no means a cheap solution (tool and profile kit came to almost 400 bucks with tax) But I'm happy with it. If anyone does try this just make sure you keep the tool on a low speed. When used at a high speed it gets so hot the plastic pieces start to melt, I kept it at speed 2 (out of 9) and it worked great and didn't get hot. Here is a pic of the attachment i used.

It's no Fein Multimaster but I bought a Black and Decker Detail Sander (their new Touch Zone Mouse model) that comes with detail and contouring sanding attachments. The finger sanding attachments worked on some of my "ugly" fillets but the sander does not have the obvious power and durability of the Fein. On the other hand it only cost $30. As an aside, this novice boatbuilder has experienced fewer and fewer ugly fillets as I have worked my way slowly up the fillet making learning curve. Luckily, on Pocketship construction, most of my first fillets are hidden forever.

I'm with you, my fillets got better and better as I went along. By the time the boat is done I might finally know what I'm doing.

I don't really know why but today I tried a low tech fillet sanding technique. Some 60 or 80 grit sandpaper wrapped around a piece of old broom handle worked great. It doesn't get into the little corners easily but along long stretches like in the cockpit it works just as well and maybe faster than any sander I have tried (plus you burn off a few extra calories). I have found the same for rounding over edges for applying fiberglass; a sanding block and some brute force seems to work just as well as any sander.

Look at the Dremel Multitool. A lot cheaper than the "FEIN". Also Craftsman (Sears) has a MultiTool that is in the Nextech line "12VDC rechargable" @ $99.00. Just pasing on some Ideas.