Cool shopmade sanding block

[ejs1097]

I have 1 of those rubber blocks with the embedded tacks. They work good but but the rubber can mar mating surfaces, the sandpaper needs trimed and you need a screwdriver to get the paper off for a change.

This design was in an e-tip a few years back. I sized it up so it's 1/4 of a sheet long wise and full sheet width wise (no trimming). The paper is held in very tight and doesn't wiggle (like the store bought one). 1 end is rounded and the other square for getting into corners. The paper is held in with 1/2" tubing. I made a bunch for the kid's workshop to give to them but made about 5-6 for myself. Then I have at least 1 per grit to eliminate changing paper to use a different grit. The less hassel (and less time) during sanding makes me a happier sander.

[LCHIEN]

hey, that's a neat idea. Esp the rubber tubing holder
Are the "slots" for holding the paper ends
(1) 1/2" dia.?
(2) how far is the center of the hole from the edge... 3/16th?
(3) How did you make the slot - router or drill press?
(4) if a router, is there a ball end bit
(5) if a drill, did you sandwich two pieces together to keep the bit from breaking out or was the bit well behaved sticking partly out like that?

[ragswl4]

It's on its way to the copy machine. Thanks for sharing, it looks like a great addtion to the tool bin.

[ejs1097]

1) The "slot" is 1/2"
2) Not sure exactly, I winged it and the first time it was pretty good. But I'd guess and say the center point is about 1/8" from the edge.
3) 1/2" Forstner bit. Worked great and very easy. I couldn't go all the way through with my DP so some perfectly alligned stop blocks were needed to line up the holes for flipping.
5)nope, drilled 1 at a time. Bit behaved very nicely and bored perfect, no walking.

- The block is 2 5/8" x 4 7/8", with the round-over on 1 end, 5" would be better.
- finger slot is 1/2" round nose 1/8" deep 2 1/2" long. also used stopblocks here.
- wood-free. 1/2" plastic tubing was $3.00 for 10' at BORG. I made 11 and used a little more the 5'.

[LarryG]

Neat. I need to make up some of these.

(4) if a router, is there a ball end bit

For your bit-shopping pleasure, these are typically called core box bits; or, occasionally, fluting bits. Many of the budget assortment sets include at least one size.

[LCHIEN]

Neat. I need to make up some of these.

For your bit-shopping pleasure, these are typically called core box bits; or, occasionally, fluting bits. Many of the budget assortment sets include at least one size.

No, Larry, a core box bit won't work, it has straight sides above the center of the radiused part. Only 180° of curve in the profile.

To make the groove for this, it has to capture the rubber tubing, it requires overhang. It'll need about 225° or more of curve. IN PROFILE, it will look like an upside down keyhole. (but its not a kehole bit either, a keyhole bit describes the plunged and sideways slot as viewed from the top, not profle)

I think the forstner is the way to go.

[LarryG]

Loring, I meant for the finger slot in the side. I didn't catch exactly what you were asking, the first time I read it.