[Woodcarver] Inflatable sanding drums

[Steve Nordhauser]

I've seen inflatable sanding drums in a number of catalogs like this:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?FamilyID=4293

They also go under the names: pneumatic drum sander, contour sander, 
etc.  You can use them in flexible shafts, drill presses, lathes, 
drills.  Does anyone have any experience with them?  They look 
especially nice for flowing shapes - I have problems getting flat spots 
on a curved surface.

The next level, I remember an article maybe 15 years ago in a magazine 
about making them.  It doesn't seem to hard.  You need a bladder between 
two disks that is air sealed and a valve stem mounted so that it doesn't 
remove too much flesh or wood.  Then all you need is a tube of sanding 
paper or a clever way to spiral wrap a long strip.  I could use an 
innertube for the bladder but I don't know if the curving shape will 
make it run uncentered.  Sometimes I think there is a canvas sleeve over 
the rubber to protect it.

Any thoughts on this?

-- 
Steve Nordhauser
snordha1 at nycap.rr.com
"An idea is like a caged bird.  If you want to find out what it is, toss it high into the air.  If it soars, it is an eagle.  If it plummets to the ground, it is a turkey."  -Me