Thread: Sanding Block Experiment

Since I have done two successful restores with my sanding block I figured it was time to revisit this thread and spend some time updating my info and changes on this device.

First off, I just made some new tips for the sanding block that I will be using in the future (Picture 1). The tip on the right is my original tip the other rounded tip I will use for wider hollows and the one on the left is for flat surfaces (maybe for when I get a wedge to restore).

That black stuff on the tips is not sand paper, that is fun foam. I started using fun foam on the tip to not only cushion it a bit but it also smooths out any imperfections in the shape of your tip. Fun foam can be purchased at craft stores like Michael's and is good when you need a thin layer of foam (I use it on my vice sometimes to protect the finish on my work). It comes in sheets about the size of a piece of paper (just a little thicker) and can be purchased with and without sticky back for under $1. (picture 2). The fun foam will need to be replaced after some time because keeping the sand paper wet will wear on the foam, I keep a sheet in the drawer and cut off a new piece as needed.

Finally, as these sanding tips I made are 1" wide, someone found me a nice gift at harbor freight. I is a box of sand paper rolls that are 1" thick. I have not used this stuff yet, but a 1" wide Alum Ox sandpaper dispenser that I can just cut off and use on my block. Sounds about perfect to me (Picture 3).

Very good ideas, I'm new to making a restoration attempt myself and see how this could save a lot of time. I'm curious though if the wooden tip needs to be anything that advanced or if you could get by with fashioning something from tin sheeting and wrap in the fun foam.

I imagine anything that transfers vibration from the motor to the sandpaper would work as a tip. I used wood dowel because I could cut a chunk off, drill a hole, shape the tip with a sander and be ready to go pretty quickly. This wood is also pretty light, I dunno if tin would weigh more and absorb some of the vibration.

I would love to see someone else attempt to make one of these and experiment with the tips as well. Possibly get some ideas to improve the tip and maybe get some corroborating evidence on the function of the device as well. One member already PMed me a few days back and is looking into building one, maybe get some more date on the project in the future from a second source.

After all this doesn't have to be MY experiment, it could be OUR experiment, seems like the best way if we really want to test the value of the idea.

SRP seems to be quite a pool of creativity, I just throw ideas in the pool to see what floats.