Help with sanding thin metal strips

[max6166]

I am sanding some liners from a SAK I am working on by hand.

I first tried laying the sandpaper flat on a table and rubbing the liners back and forth across it with my fingers. I wound up sanding my fingers to the point of bleeding though, because the pieces are so small.

If I hold the liners down on the table and sand across the top though, I can only sand one side at a time as my fingers will always be on one side.

Does anyone have any tricks for sanding the entire surface of a small thin piece of metal in one go?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

That is a tricky one mate

[Neil]

I am sanding some liners from a SAK I am working on by hand.

I first tried laying the sandpaper flat on a table and rubbing the liners back and forth across it with my fingers. I wound up sanding my fingers to the point of bleeding though, because the pieces are so small.

If I hold the liners down on the table and sand across the top though, I can only sand one side at a time as my fingers will always be on one side.

Does anyone have any tricks for sanding the entire surface of a small thin piece of metal in one go?

This is why its best to use new liners if possible  Don't say you weren't warned

I'm afraid I've found no trick.  I start with 400 grit (UK size) and work upwards.  Its not a speedy process but an order of magnitude faster than sanding blades. Whilst you don't need a mirror finish you really do want a very smooth surface.  This is not one of those jobs to rush or skimp on or you'll regret it, right after you've finished peening

Neil

[max6166]

I am actually planning on using new liners when I go to build the actual knife. I know it sounds crazy, but I am just trying to restore a couple of the current liners as a learning exercise.   

[Roadie]

Try using a hot glue gun to glue the liner to a bit of wood, that should hold it in place while you sand one side and peel off easily enough to let you turn it over? No idea if it'd work but it's all i can think of!

[max6166]

Thanks Roadie! I never would have thought of that. 

[Roadie]

Thanks Roadie! I never would have thought of that. 

No problem! Let me know if it works

[DaveK]

Try using a hot glue gun to glue the liner to a bit of wood, that should hold it in place while you sand one side and peel off easily enough to let you turn it over? No idea if it'd work but it's all i can think of!

Sod that - I just got the Proxxon on it

Mind you, they do look a bit naff 

[Spork, Lord of Lime Jello!]

I just steel wool the crud off and slap it back together