Sanding jig

For those who have made sanding jigs, how critical is the back rest/block? If the magnets hold the blade firmly, does the block do something else that I'm not seeing without having used one?

Hoping to start putting one together this weekend and wanted to make sure I think it thru with the limited tools I have.

Thanks.

You can never be sure the magnets will hold the blade firmly, not the hobby ones you buy from the store anyway.
I'd put it there just in case, it is especially useful if you are going to use dremel type of tool for restorations.

Thanks. I figured there was a reason since all the ones I've seen have it, but just wanted to ask.

Yep, I would. Mine is just a popsicle stick glued on...

One thing though, I found the blade becomes magnetized from being on the jig. I don't think it hurts the razor, but kinda bugs me so I'll need to get an electric demagnetizer.

When you get to the final sanding grits, cover the magnets with tape or they will scratch the back side of the blade and then you have tp redo it.

The backstop is quite important. Use rare earth magnets. I got mine at hobby lobby, strong little buggers!

I bought some 3/4" rare earth magnets from Lee Valley. For the time being, I just use 10 of those and a piece of cardboard. They hold the blade in place very well. At some point, I will make a more permanent setup with the magnets glued into wood, which might allow me to use a dremel. But for hand sanding, this setup actually works pretty well.

My magnets came in today. Funny that they came with a warning, but my Lewis custom didn't!

Amazingly strong. First time handling rare earth magnets, so I was impressed.