Page 1 of 1
Sanding light lenses to size ?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:13 pm
by Model Builder 4
Afternoon all,
I've got a couple of headlight lenses that need to be sanded down a few millimetres, any idea how I can do this while still keeping them nice and circular

I know I could drill an hole in the centre and spin it in the dremel to sand it but I don't really want to drill into it so is there another way ?
Cheers, Lee.
Re: Sanding light lenses to size ?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:18 pm
by Max-U52
I've had success using Zap Goo to attach the lens (or whatever other piece) to the end of a rod and then chucked that in a cordless drill. The dremel seemed too fast unless you have one of those foot pedal gizmos or something similar. Anyway, the goo holds it firmly enough for light sanding but will also peel away when you're done without hurting the plastic (or at least it didn't hurt what I used. A test would be a good idea). You might also try good old elmer's glue. Use it to stick the lens to the end of a wooden or plastic rod and see if it will hold well enough to sand. The white glue will dissolve with water and shouldn't hurt the plastic.
Re: Sanding light lenses to size ?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:26 pm
by Model Builder 4
Thanks Max, that sounds like a plan

I was also thinking that if I do need to drill it I have a resin which is used to repair chips in windscreens so maybe I could use that to fill the small hole back in

I'll try the glue idea first I think
Cheers, Lee.
Re: Sanding light lenses to size ?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:33 pm
by jarndice
Years ago when I was apprenticed to a Garage we used something called "Jewellers Rouge" to remove scratches in windscreens,
Obviously the composition of a modern car windscreen would make that a most inadvisable practice but it could be a winner on 1/16 headlight plastic lenses.
Shaun.
Re: Sanding light lenses to size ?
Posted: Sat Oct 07, 2017 4:55 pm
by Model Builder 4
I bought the resin to repair a small chip that I had in my windscreen Shaun, it did a great job on it and you can't even see where the repair is now

I have a spare lense so I may give this a go
Cheers, Lee.