Rockler's remarkable red rubber sanding block

I purchased a sanding block for the first time yesterday. I had taken my mother to lunch on Sunday afternoon and then to reward myself for this good deed I visited the local Rockler Woodworking store and browsed the discount racks. I bought some sanding disks, a quart of Titebond III, some space balls, and then just for the heck of it, I purchased a rubber sanding block for $3.99. What a wonderful device. I don’t know why I’ve never used one before. Perhaps it was my abrasive high-school shop teacher or just a mental block. Regardless, the Rockler rubber sanding block (found here http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=16370&site=ROCKLER) has taken my finishing to a new level of silkiness.

There are at least four reasons to purchase this remarkable tool.

The firm yet pliable block produces a flat surface when sanding. I performed some experiments by sanding a shellacked surface which showed clearly which parts had been sanded most aggressively. To get the pliable sanding block to produce a flat surface, cover the block with the palm of your hand and apply pressure to the center of the block (see photo).

Spikes hold a quarter sheet of sand paper securely and it saves paper compared to a wooden block.

Ergonomic design fits the hand nicely.

The red rubber does not mar the workpiece.

Now, I still dislike sanding. But with the Rockler rubber sanding block, my finishing is going more smoothly than ever. And, at $3.99, you can buy one for every grit size.

-- Dave S., Bellingham, WA