The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop Sanding Blocks

Guys,
Are sanding block like "Dura Block and other flexible blocks worth using ? I'm working on my 59 3600

Thanks
Clem

I like my Dura-Blocs for most things needing short boarding. For the longer boards I like these:

http://www.tcpglobal.com/3m/3m230-13.aspx

I use Dura-Gold stick on sandpaper exclusively, so that's why I prefer above. I use 80, 180, 400.

Thanks Deve,

What's everyone else use ?

Clem, I bought a 7 piece Dura-Block set from Eastwood. I recently got a few of the adjustable ones Deve shows above. I find I'm using the AFS adjustable most of the time now. By the way, better prices at TCPGlogal.com

Dennis

I use a flex board with sandpaper. I find it easier for me to grip. Also, from Eastwood.

I use hardwood trim in various shapes and lengths. My favorite being oak corner moulding. It give me a good shape to wrap the paper around, get two sanding surfaces and easy to hold. Plus, the edges are rounded over so no digging in. For initial blocking on flat surfaces, I simply use two blocks of wood bolted together to hold the paper. Oh, hardwood dowels come in handy at times.

Make what you need.

I also use a small pad about 2 3/4 x 4 or 5 and about 1/2 thick that is a bit pliable. Very handy for some of the curves on fenders or cab corners. I've used Scotch Brite pads too for support for very light sanding.

Dennis

If you think you have every sanding block you need, then work on the underside of the cab. I ended up using all sorts of wood scraps, paint sticks, even pieces of plastic bondo spreaders. If you do this right, you will end up being very creative.

I've got the AFS sanders in 15, 27, and 36, and got a durablock set from Northern Tool as they were cheaper than Eastwood. Then you have all the specially made ones, like others have stated. I have one made of heater hose with a piece of flat bar inside to form it into an oval.. You'll find for the nooks and crannies, it's whatever works!

Thanks for all the input. Are the AFS blocks and Dura-Blocks worth getting ? I don't mind spending the money on good tools. If you guys where to do it all again knowing what you know now about these products, would you recommend them ?

Thanks for all your help !

I would. Remember the Dura-blocs are made of spongy material that tries to keep its shape, but after using it a lot, the corners wont be as crisp. That hasn't bothered me much but when it does I just get out a better solution. Sometimes its a small piece of oak. Durablocs come in a kit that you can get the most popular ones for a price. That's what I did. I get most of this kind of stuff from TCPGlobal.com.

Yes they are a great product.

If you are the type that buys in-store Napa had a 7pc set for $40 last time I went in. Otherwise Amazon sells them the cheapest.

Good luck