Lee Valley, Sanding Block, Ruler Trick

[Griph0n Brown]

I've had the Lee Valley Sanding Block for a while now and was getting more and more frustrated. Seemed expensive, but probably a good idea, I hate sanding anyways so anything to make it easier. After quite a few months using it I decided the only thing worse the the sandpaper slipping around a cork block was trying to get a sheet of sandpaper into those little clippy things. Or not getting the paper in tight enough. Really I was ready to chuck the thing across the shop some days..... BUT THEN!

-Open up block and Insert paper
-Try and insert other end. Too short and ready to curse! No Wait..
-Take ruler stolen from a kid
-Slide in below clips and paper is dragged along!
-Look at how nice and tight paper is after block is tightened!
-Sigh with relief. Feel proud about not cursing.
-Sand sand sand

I now think the block is worth every penny, and sand only with fresh clean cutting paper.

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[Jim Koepke]

I hate sanding anyways so anything to make it easier.

A hand plane with a sharp blade can really cut down on the sanding.

I have always just used a block of hard wood with flutes cut into the side for finger grips to keep the paper tight when holding the block.

jtk

[Richard Dooling]

I cut a block of wood sized to make best use of the sandpaper. Then I cut a slot on an angle into the edge with a band saw or a hand saw. A table saw kerf is a little big but that can work too. Then I slip the edge of the sandpaper into the kerf and wrap in the direction that locks the paper in place. Very tight.


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[paul cottingham]

Thanks for the pictures....

[Chris Fournier]

Years ago I made my own sanding blocks that utilize a quarter sheet. Cork face with a separate quick fastening top; no fidling. Of all of the shop built goodies I've made over the years, these sanding blocks have really paid off. I use them for general flat sanding and make purpose built special blocks and pads on a project by project basis. At the time that I built them I was too cheap to buy the LV unit. Lucky me.

[glenn bradley]

Thanks for posting Griphon. I don't have that particular block but for those that do (or one using that principle) this will be helpful.

[John Gornall]

I have 4 of the Lee Valley sanding blocks - 4 different grits. I really like them. I don't try to push the sandpaper into the clips. I always remove the brass screw completely and take off the maple block. Then I wrap the sandpaper, slip on the block, and put the screw back. Takes no time and flat and tight every time.

I just went to the Lee Valley website and read the instructions - you know, the stuff you read only after throwing the thing across the room a few times. Anyway, I apparently load sandpaper the correct way.

Those little blue buttons, instr, view, tech, acc, in the Lee Valley price lines have a lot of neat information.

[John Lanciani]

Also, if you're using A-weight paper you can stack 4 or 5 pieces at a time, that way you can just rip off the dead piece and keep sanding instead of stopping to reload.

[paul cottingham]

To be fair, the same instructions say :

"With little practice, you will be able to load the sanding block without having to remove both the knob and block. Loosening the knob sufficiently will create just enough of a gap between the springs and base plate for the sandpaper to slip into."

I have this block and still load paper by disassembling it. I look forward to trying the ruler trick, tho. I like the idea of owning more than one, each preloaded with a different grit. So simple it would never have occurred to me.

[kevin loftus]

Also, if you're using A-weight paper you can stack 4 or 5 pieces at a time, that way you can just rip off the dead piece and keep sanding instead of stopping to reload.

Now that sounds like a good idea, thanks John
I gotta give that a try. :cool::cool::cool:

[Jonathan Spool]

I've become a big fan of using 3M adhesive sandpaper rolls on a piece of MDF

[Jake Rothermel]

Am I the only one who uses sanding sponges when I HAVE to sand?

Actually, John's idea of stacking sand paper on top of each other is a REALLY good idea, I think. I have a couple of shop-made sanding blocks that I try not to use...ever. I think I might give that a try, though and see how it works. Thanks!

jake

[Chris Fournier]

Also, if you're using A-weight paper you can stack 4 or 5 pieces at a time, that way you can just rip off the dead piece and keep sanding instead of stopping to reload.

When you're in the thick of things and you really don't want to slow down there's nothing sweeter than ripping off the tired sheet and having at it without breaking stride. It makes me feel like those soldiers in the movies that drop the empty magazine, crack the fresh one on their helmet and get back to their work. Ah, this could explain why sanding gives me a headache; perhaps I should wear my bike helmet?

[Paul Erickson]

Years ago I made my own sanding blocks that utilize a quarter sheet. Cork face with a separate quick fastening top; no fidling. Of all of the shop built goodies I've made over the years, these sanding blocks have really paid off. I use them for general flat sanding and make purpose built special blocks and pads on a project by project basis. At the time that I built them I was too cheap to buy the LV unit. Lucky me.

Hi Chris, any chance of seeing a picture?

cheers, Paul

[Pam Niedermayer]

When you're in the thick of things and you really don't want to slow down there's nothing sweeter than ripping off the tired sheet and having at it without breaking stride. It makes me feel like those soldiers in the movies that drop the empty magazine, crack the fresh one on their helmet and get back to their work. Ah, this could explain why sanding gives me a headache; perhaps I should wear my bike helmet?

Very funny, Chris, and so true to life.

Pam

[Chris Fournier]

Hi Chris, any chance of seeing a picture?

cheers, Paul


Certainly Paul. I'll post pics when I get to the shop tomorrow. They are old and my version 1.01 would be a bit different but not much. They are super easy to make and have worked so well over the years that they are likely worth sharing.

[Mitch Barker]

I bought a "preppin weapon" at a ww show several years ago. Liked it enough to buy a second. Dead simple mechanism for locking in the paper. And yes, you can stack up several layers of paper.

Mitch

[Chris Fournier]

Here are the photos of my shop made sanding block; I made 4 at once. It's about 16 years old, maybe a bit older even. It's mahogany because I had shorts and it was easy to shape; the sandpaper face is cork sheet contact cemented to the mahogany. At the time I was unaware of other fastener like threaded inserts so I mortised a nut. The brass pin is just for indexing top to bottom and keeping them aligned. It'll hold 4 sheets at once. The dimensions are 4 1/2" long, 3 1/4" wide and 3/4" tall(the bottom sanding pad). I'd be tempted to reduce the width by up to a 1/4" for easier loading but it is pretty easy as is.

I contoured the top to be comfortable while in the hand. I've toyed with the idea of clamping the sheets fron to back rather than side to side but I liked the footprint of this pad so I've stuck with it.

Food for thought anyways...

[Paul Erickson]

Thanks very much.

cheers, Paul