Twice the sanding fun in a single block! A double sided, easy to make sanding block that you can truly get a grip on. The paper is locked securely and doesn't slip and can be changed in seconds.
I've made numerous sanding blocks throughout the years, however I think this one is probably the most useful. I utilized construction grade lumber to make the block and got expensive with the walnut clamps, but these can be made from any type of wood. You can even include a rubber padding to the face if you desire something a bit softer.
These use a 1/4 sheet of standard sized sandpaper (11" x 9"), but can be sized larger to use half of a sheet for sanding larger surfaces.
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Twice the sanding fun in a single block! A double sided, easy to make sanding block that you can really get a grip on. The paper is locked tightly and doesn’t slip and can be changed in seconds.
I’ve made several sanding blocks over the years, but I think this one is probably the most practical. I used construction grade lumber to make the block and got fancy with the walnut clamps, but these can be made from any type of wood. You can even add a rubber padding to the face if you want something a bit softer.
These use a 1/4 sheet of standard sized sandpaper (11″ x 9″), but can be sized bigger to use half of a sheet for sanding larger surfaces.
Wow, so simple and smart idea! I am definitely gonna try this out! Thank you
Thanks!
So do I!
Added to my to do list, great idea to use 2 grit sand paper. Ive been using cork blocks for many years given to me by an old carpenter, very easy to change paper and you can use the 4 sides. Big thumbs up.
These look great with the two tone wood. I wonder if I could make something similar without a table saw, maybe with just a flat peice of wood screwed to each side to clamp the sand paper down?
Outstanding! Very simple, but so effective. Great Idea Thank you.
Brilliant, John! I’m definitely going to try a few of them as well! 😃
Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊
What a simple, clever design. I’ll definitely be making a set of these for the shop. Thanks John!
It sort of slows things down only having one sanding block. This version looks really easy to make and having three or four sanding blocks loaded up with different grits will be very useful.
Elegant simplicity. The minimalist sanding block. Nice work, John!
I normally just wrap paper around (on 3 sides) of a rectangular block of cork. Never had it slip, and does the job. Also find the extra give in the cork can help some applications. But as you said… anything to hate sanding less… so I will give this a try!
Looks great, John! The double sided aspect is awesome. And Walnut = EXTRA fancy!
I still like using spray adhesive to affix sandpaper to MDF blocks. Takes more effort of course and not really reusable but no abrasive on the sides means I can sand at a perfect 90º by referencing the sides on a flat surface.
The side triangles can be tuned to achieve this, where they protrude just enough that the sandpaper on the sides of the block doesn’t rub.
John, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. So simple, yet so effective! Awesome!
Yup, I’ll be making a few of these. How do you find it with sand paper of both the top and bottom ? I might try just putting sand paper on the bottom side so my baby smooth hands don’t get irritated by the sandpaper on the top side.
Perhaps putting a spring under the v-block would make it simpler to change paper, although it makes the assembly more complicated.
As usual, more woodworking genius from John! Those sanding blocks are terrific! 👍👍
Freakin’ brilliant, John. It’s been a delight watching and participating in the evolution of this basic tool with you over the years. Thank you for sharing.
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again: you have a marvelous engineer’s mind. Coming from me that’s a compliment.
If I may be allowed, I was a cabinet maker and furniture restorer for nearly 40 years. I personally have about 40 very different sanding blocks. Different radius round and hollow. Then there are a special series with hardwoods. I tend to favour the cloth bound sanding sheets, and sometimes rolls. For sanding complex mouldings I break it down into flats (1st), hollows, and rounds. These special cauls (blocks) are cork lined. I find this way the paper doesn’t clog up so much. Some woods are almost oily, and can clog up the paper terribly. I’m also starting to use the Mirka Abranet sanding mesh- that doesn’t clog AT ALL. I personally moisten the surface between sanding with very hot water. This brings up the fibres. The end result is spectacular (320/400 and sometimes up to 1000 grit) on woods like Ebony, Boxwood, Amarillo, and ivory.
When you’ve done decades of French (shellac) polishing, and when a hole of even 0.002’s looks like a crater, you get very fussy about how you sand. I never do freehand sanding, even on spindles and turned wood.
You have just met Mr. Fussy!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience.
Greetings from France 🇫🇷
A John Heisz classic: clever, cheap and effective. Well done.
I’m 100% going to make some of these. Great videos as always, John!
Nice, however I’m still using the sanding blocks I made in 2013 from your plans. Don’t see any reason to change now but if I need some more I’ll give these a try. Thanks for the video.