Swapping my DA sander for a file board changed everything

Been sanding down filler with a DA for years. Tried a long file board on a door skin last week. Way flatter finish, no more wavy spots. Anyone else ditch power tools for hand tools sometimes?

3 comments

3 Comments

sarah_mason26d ago

Did you catch that video going around where an old timer explains how body shops used nothing but hand tools back in the day? I saw it a few weeks ago and it really opened my eyes. There is something to be said for the control you get with a file board, especially on large flat panels like door skins. Power tools are great for speed but they can definitely leave a wave if you are not careful. I have found that even using a hand file for just the final passes makes a huge difference in how straight the finish comes out.

the_wyatt26d ago

You seen that video where the old timer builds up a door skin with just lead? Wild stuff. Hand tools give you that feel power tools just can't match.

the_oscar26d ago

You ever come across that old body shop manual from the 1960s I found online? It goes into crazy detail about using a slapper file and a dolly to shape lead instead of filler. Makes you realize how much skill those guys had, huh. The patience alone must have been something else.