stepSander Series 2 Offset Sanding Tools
By Matt Bittner
I have reviewed stepSanders in the past (original Offset, Large Offset and Bow Sanding Tool, along with the Crowned, and Offset Wide) and still maintain they are the best sanding tools for plastic modeling. Since receiving these for review, I have used them on every single one of my builds, and will praise their use from now until I'm done modeling. It's not just because they were provided for review – it's because they do the job they're meant for, and they do it very well. Every different stepSander has a specific need in mind, and they meet those needs well. (The only thing I would want to see are round sanding tools, and really thin ones so you can get into cracks and crevices, without sanding away surrounding detail, but I suspect those types of uses could be beyond a tool like these.)
So, I was really surprised to see that stepSander had revised their original Offset Sanding Tools. You'll receive three tools in one package, each one with different grit sandpaper: 220, 400 and 800 grit. Each different grit is color-coded: the 220 is black, the 400 is orange and the 800 blue, so keeping track of each isn't too difficult. What's the difference between the old and the new? The new ones are a little longer; slightly tapered; and slightly narrower. The new stepSander fits about the same in the fingers, so there's no change there.
Do you need the new ones if you have the old ones? Your call – I like the fact the new ones are a little narrower so it works better in some circumstances, but both Offset Sanding Tools work really well. What may happen in the future concerns replacement belts. Since there is a size difference, I would be surprised if stepSander kept replacement belts for both the "old" and the "new". So you may need to purchase the revised Offset Sanding Tools for future reasons.
As I have mentioned, I consider stepSanders a necessary tool for modeling. It has really helped me in all my builds, especially when I need to concentrate sanding in a small area. Having these tools around have been invaluable for all modeling.
Huge thanks to stepSander for supplying the new Offset Sanding Tools for review. I feel a must for every modeling toolbox.