The lowly SANDING BLOCK

[tak1313]

I don't use a sanding block that often, being DIY for everything. Right now, my main block is just one of those solid rubber ones that hold the paper via prongs on that poke through the paper on both sides when sandwiched between splits in the block ends. Although I might occasionally use it for car/metal work, the vast majority if for woodworking around the house - right now to sand window casings in bullnose craftsman style that I'm installing on all our windows.

Today, I was putting another paper in, and was thinking about how frustrating it is trying to get the paper tight to the block.

I tried searching, but could not find anything recent on who makes a good hand sanding block that is easy to use, holds the paper tight, and WORKS WELL. Any recommendations?

 

[toolenthusiast]

Time Shaver Tools Preppin’ Weapon

Or just switch to either PSA or velcro paper instead of relying on the block itself to hold the paper :/

 

[RTM]

When I’m doing big stuff, I use something like this.

Wal-Board Tools 3-1/4 in. x 9-1/4 in. Pole Sander Head 088-005-HD - The Home Depot

Increase your sanding reach with the selection of this Wal-Board Tools Pole Sander Head. Features a wing nut clamp design.

www.homedepot.com

For small stuff, I have three vintage tools. Far right in first pic


Far left here, and another similar one somewhere.



EDIT: here is the pair, up close. No idea how vintage the BEHR one is





Prior to this, 2x2 block of oak, about 3” long, w paper stapled on top, so three usable sides.

 

[Jgaz]

Over the years I’ve gotten away from the solid rubber block for the reasons you’ve mentioned.
I now use these blocks, covered in various grits, shown below.

The blocks in the foreground are scraps of plywood or MDF covered with PSA sandpaper or sandpaper applied with spray adhesive.
I like to use some PSA paper because I’ve found it handy to wrap the block on four sides.
This narrow edge makes a great sanding tool to clean up rabbits.
Many times I can reuse the block when the paper gets worn. If I can’t, no big deal, it was scrap anyway.

I also find the sticks in the background to be very handy. Same method used to stick the paper.
I‘ll mostly use rip cuts for the sticks but I’ve found the thicker 5gallon bucket paint stir sticks to work good as well and they are free.

I make a bunch of these blocks and sticks at one time. The blocks made in a batch will last a couple years.

This may not address your bullnose sanding but these blocks I show are great for use on flat surfaces.

For a block with a little “give” I will wrap the paper around a blackboard eraser.
This is especially useful to knock off the dust nibs on a varnished surface

 

[garilla]

when I worked we had the rubber blocks with the nails on the end, nobody ever put the sandpaper into the nails, just made sure it was long enough to finger hold it on the sides of the block. Faster to swap out old for new and always holds tight, and if wet sanding you can use the side of the rubber as a squeegee.

 

[tak1313]

Time Shaver Tools Preppin’ Weapon

Or just switch to either PSA or velcro paper instead of relying on the block itself to hold the paper :/

That Preppin one looks like it has great reviews - not just on Amazon, but on other woodworking sites too. hmmm...

 

[Wamsutta]

Any recommendations?

MOTOR GUARD

DURA-BLOCK

 

[NoahG]

Dura-blocks like @Wamsutta shared are pretty great.

I also really like these foam sanding blocks that use 5” disks, there are many brands out there. https://www.amazon.com/Woodworking-...-Standard/dp/B00HJBSHG2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Traditionally I’ve always just done what @Jgaz does. At one shop we all had several hardwood blocks that we’d wrap with a 1/4 sheet of paper and staple down the edge.

 

[tak1313]

The hook and loop varieties are actually looking pretty good - especially the ones that use the rolls.

 

[Jlanciani]

That Preppin one looks like it has great reviews - not just on Amazon, but on other woodworking sites too. hmmm...

+1, I have a half dozen that I have been using for years. Its nice to be able to use regular inexpensive paper in whatever grit you want. Load 4 - 6 sheets and just tear them off when they are used up.

 

[RTM]

Here is an unsatisfying one, thus why I bought the others

 

[legenddc]

That Preppin one looks like it has great reviews - not just on Amazon, but on other woodworking sites too. hmmm...

I have one and it’s great. Keep meaning to buy more so I never have to switch grits.

 

[fourjeepin]

I have the rubber block but usually wrap a 1/4 sheet of paper around a scrap of wood

 

[dnschmidt]

Time Shaver Tools Preppin’ Weapon

Or just switch to either PSA or velcro paper instead of relying on the block itself to hold the paper :/

If you're using normal sandpaper there is nothing equal to the "Preppin Weapon." It has the best paper holding clamp system that exists. I believe Rockler sells these as well. Works great with wet-or-dry sandpaper too as it floats. Originally developed for autobody (I have eight of them) but fantastic for woodworking as well. Why do I have eight? For the same reason I have 30 routers, I hate changing grits of sandpaper or router bits.

 

[rharman]

Preppin Weapon is good but I've had the feeling they're a bit bulky.

I've always liked the Sand Devil product myself. MilesCraft makes a similar product to the Sand Devil. They come in 3 sizes.

Last year, I bought these but have not used them yet.

 

[cherrybomb]

The Sanding Catalog has foamy round with the quick attachment,start out with a coarse grit,quickly work your way up.

 

[dnschmidt]

Preppin Weapon is good but I've had the feeling they're a bit bulky.

I've always liked the Sand Devil product myself. MilesCraft makes a similar product to the Sand Devil. They come in 3 sizes.

Last year, I bought these but have not used them yet.

Wrong, they are not bulky at all and they are light. I have the blocks you recommend and a great deal of the time these are not perfectly flat. Some are, some are not. The round one typically has a recessed center (check this with a straight edge). The Preppin Weapon is perfectly flat. Also, stock sandpaper which you tear to size is cheaper than Velcro sandpaper so that's another point.

 

[Toolfool]

I've been using Stikit sanding blocks for 20+ years. Nothing better.

3M Stikit Sanding Block, 3 1/4 in, Stikit 45204, 60-9800-0764-9 | Hillas.com

Buy 3M Stikit Sanding Block 45204, 3 1/4 in, 6 per case at Hillas.com. Free Shipping on Qualified Orders.

www.hillas.com

 

[niget2002]

I picked up this set for working on my kayak. It's worked very well for sanding the curves. It does use velcro backed sand paper, but duragold sells that in rolls that you can cut up for pretty cheap. Some of the rolls are pre-perforated for the size of the sanding block.

Amazon.com

 

[Tynee]

Man, I did NOT expect to wake up today and learn that my sanding block game was sub-standard, yet... Here we are...

 

[RTM]

Man, I did NOT expect to wake up today and learn that my sanding block game was sub-standard, yet... Here we are...

I learn that about something I do almost every week here.

 

[tak1313]

Man, I did NOT expect to wake up today and learn that my sanding block game was sub-standard, yet... Here we are...

Yeah - who'd a thunk there can be so much variation on sanding blocks...

 

[ALinCarolina]

If sanding an unusual shaped edge or molding you can make a custom one with a matching shape. Cover the molding with Saran wrap and apply a gob of Bondo. Push it well to make it fit the shape before it sets. If it has very acute grooves you want to not use too thick of sandpaper so cheaper paper may work better.

 

[rharman]

Preppin Weapon is good but I've had the feeling they're a bit bulky.

I've always liked the Sand Devil product myself. MilesCraft makes a similar product to the Sand Devil. They come in 3 sizes.

Last year, I bought these but have not used them yet.

Wrong, they are not bulky at all and they are light. I have the blocks you recommend and a great deal of the time these are not perfectly flat. Some are, some are not. The round one typically has a recessed center (check this with a straight edge). The Preppin Weapon is perfectly flat. Also, stock sandpaper which you tear to size is cheaper than Velcro sandpaper so that's another point.

Good to know about the Preppin Weapon - I've never actually used one - it was just the impression I got from the pictures.

To be clear... I'm not "recommending" those two yellow blocks. As stated, I've yet to use them. I just wanted something on-hand I can grab and quickly change paper on for quick jobs. I have another heavier "mouse" sander that I've been very happy with and these just came as a pair.