Bow Sanders

Bow sanders are used by woodcarvers to quickly remove tool marks from convex wood surfaces, such as a decoy body or another type of smooth woodcarving/sculpture.  Intarsia artists  use them for rounding the edges of their wooden picture pieces. Unlike powered rotary abrasive drums, A bow sander does not leave ripple marks on the surface of the wood when uneven pressure is applied.

While searching the internet to purchase a bow sander, I was unable to find one that was simple in design and attractive to the eye. Most had clumsy or unreliable methods for clamping the abrasive to the sander.

I designed this sander to use a standard abrasive belt, rather than an abrasive sheet that would require a clamping mechanism. The belt is held taut to the sanding form with a velcro strap. When the sanding surface wears out, you simply remove the velcro strap and rotate the sanding belt to expose new grit.

These bow sanders are hand made from cherry and finished with a penetrating oil. They will develop an attractive darker patina with time. These sanding forms accommodate standard abrasive belt sizes: 1”x30”, 1/2”x21” and 1/2”x18”.

1” x 30” bow sander w/ one 80 grit sanding belt. Suitable for sanding decoy bodies or other large carvings. $24 + shipping 1/2” x 21” bow sander  w/ one 100 grit sanding. Suitable for sanding decoy heads or other medium to small size cxarvings. $15+ shipping Set  of the above two sanders  w/ sanding belts. Perfect for sanding your entire decoys. $35 + shipping 1/2” x 18” bow sander w/ one medium grit sanding belt. Suitable for sanding small carvings. $12 + shipping

Please check on availability before you order, as inventory varies during the year.

Copyright 2008 C&S Wildfowl Carvings LLC