I picked up a Surform. This is the handle/holder and it came with a 10" flat blade. Do I use a flat blade? I notice that rounded baldes are available.

Previous posts have shown me some suggested speeds to turn my handles at so I will follow those guidelines for starters. Is there any point to using just the blade, out of the handle? i wonder about taping up the ends of the blade and holding it while wearing leather work gloves. Is this a good or bad idea?

My intent is to use this tool as a quick way to rip down the outside diameter of EVA handles. Then I will go to drywall sanding screen in assorted grits.

Just looking for tips on the use of this tool.

Thanks,

Dan Miller

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You don't need the handle to use the SurForm file. Flat is best. Keep in mind that the Surform will make a very, very rough cut on the EVA so stop well shy of your intended final diameter. You may have to stop as much as 1/8th inch over the desired final diameter and then take that down with 80 to 120 grit drywall sanding screen.

On the chance that you use the Surform and find that it doesn't cut very well or very fast - flip it around as it only cuts from one direction.

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I'm going to re-iterate what Tom said - this stuff basically will gouge EVA if you are not careful, and WILL cut deep. I only use it when I knock the edges off square stock, and have to reduce the diamater drastically, say from 1.75" to 1.25". And even then I switch to 40 grit (which also cuts deep). - be careful with the higher grits on EVA until you becaome familiar with how it sands and the marks which are left.

Am I the only one who finds the sanding screen will clog after a grip or 2? Maybe I turn at too high a speed, the EVA heats up, clogs, cools down then hardens in the gaps.

I used a surform once. Once. I had a sudden sneeze while working it and just that fast, I destroyed a grip. And that was on a fairly slow drill. Use a very light hand with it. Tom and Billy aren't kidding. These things sail through EVA. Good for roughing out square stock, but when doing round EVA, I start with 80 grit. Even 40 is a bit rough for the smaller grips that I do. I'd rather spend a few extra minutes with finer stuff than ruin a perfectly good chunk of foam. Too hard for me to judge where I am with the surform. But I'm not the sharpest tool in the shed either!

Thanks very much for your comments.

Dan Miller