How do I sand small wooden spheres?

[Alex Franke]

We have a bunch of little (1/2") aromatic cedar balls that LOML likes to put in drawers. They're losing their cedar aroma so I thought a quick sand would probably help bring it out again.

Any ideas on how I might rejuvenate these?

(Editor's Note: I originally wrote "balls" instead of "wooden spheres" in the title, but then I realized that it could sound like a totally different -- and rather unusual -- issue altogether. So I changed it. )

[LCHIEN]

one method i saw was to put a 5-sided-box on top of the stationary belt sander - with the balls inside. Obviously hold the box just above the sander belt so the box does not get sanded. Run the sander with the balls in the box on top of the belt. They bounce around for a while but eventually come out quite round and well sanded.

[Alex Franke]

Wow... what a cool idea. Thanks -- I'll try it!

[eccentrictinkerer]

I had similar requirement and chose a really low tech way.

I glued sandpaper to the interior walls of a 5" x 5" x 5" cardboard box. Put the parts in and sealed it with duct tape.

Then I wrapped it in 3 beach towels held together with electrical tape.

I put the package in the clothes dryer (on cold) for 3/4 hour and 'voila'! Mission accomplished.

Roundness wasn't needed, just smooth.

[Alex Franke]

I did what loring suggested except used an empty can. It worked very well. Thanks again!

[leehljp]

This is a great tip. Hadn't thought of this! Thanks fellows!