Ruth ... Check out the Guinevere Sanding System over at Woodcraft. I use one for my bowl turnings and have never been more pleased.
The system is pricy if you get the entire setup, however, you can get the inflatable round bowl (I have yet to use the straight one). This round unit is No. 147535 and sells for $39.99. Expensive yes, but it will save you hours of time and aching muscles if you do it by hand.
You can also get a flexible cable from Lowes, Home Depot for a lot less money. Just mnake sure the tool shaft fits the flexible shaft chuck.
I do not inflate the rubber bowl at all and have yet to need to do so. I doubt that you would ever use the inflater tool so that's a little more money saved.
The inflatable unit DOES need to use the mnolded sanding pads so you can spend the money saved above and get a stock of them. They last a long time if you take care of then in using them. I use them until there is no grit left on the cloth almost.
While at Woodcraft get yourself a few different sizes of round buffing bowl wheels made by Beall. They make polishing deep interior hollow forms a breeze and quick and can be used on the flexible shaft as well.
Go to Woodcraft's linK:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20037 and go down a bit and look at No. 147535 and then the sanding pads all grits.
If you want to make life easier get the total system for $116.99. You will still need the motor and flexible shaft. I have used my flexible shaft with a heavy duty drill and had few problems in doing so.
Be sure to watch the Woodcraft video at:
http://www.woodcraft.com/family.aspx?familyid=20037&mode=videos#tabs
I believe this will be your answer and will definitely save you time and a bunck of busted knuckles. :biggrin: