Hammer Filing or shaping

[jpiesik@arinc.com]

    Clark,

    I have been using the Pianotek Perma-Grit sanding paddle with very good
    results for over a year now.  The paddle, however, is a bit wide, with
    sharp edges, and it tends to get uncomfortable after a long shaping
    session. (The file is sheet metal impregnated with a permanent grit
    material - half of it coarse, the other half fine.)  A good modification
    may be to trim the width and add a smooth wood backing about 1/8" to
    1/4" thick glued to the back side of the file.  The narrower width would
    offer greater control and comfort.  Various grits of sand paper strips
    and paddles are used for the finishing touches.  I would be reluctant to
    try the moto-tool approach preferring the control one can maintain with
    the elbow grease method, but if moto-tooling hammers works for others,
    who's to argue.

    John Piesik
    San Diego Chapter PTG
    JPIESIK@ARINC.COM

   I saw that alot of you folks use a moto tool to file hammers, I (even
with a hammer file attachment) can not get the results I want.  However
has anyone else used the new Perma-Grit sanding paddle from Pianotek. It
is great, without alot of effort you have complete control.  I have done
several sets of hammers with my 1st one and it does not show much wear at
all. It is not very expensive either, only about $7.00 each.
Take care,
Clark Hale