Review by DHS | posted 03-13-2012 06:37 AM | 4410 views | 0 times favorited | 6 comments | ![]() |
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- Rockler Rubber Sanding Block, Item number 56150
- Brand: Rockler | Category: Sanders
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
6 comments so far
NiteWalker
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2743 posts in 4027 days
#1 posted 03-13-2012 08:00 AM
I used those for quite a while before I bought a couple of preppin weapons.
Expensive, but I haven’t looked back.
The rubber blocks do the job though.
-- He who dies with the most tools... dies with the emptiest wallet.
GregD
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788 posts in 4586 days
#2 posted 03-13-2012 02:14 PM
+1 on the Preppin Weapon sanding block. Much less sand paper waste.
-- Greg D.
Builder_Bob
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161 posts in 4510 days
#3 posted 03-13-2012 04:41 PM
Had one of those 50 years ago! A great thing to have around.
-- "The unexpected, when it happens, generally happens when you least expect it."
Murdock
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169 posts in 3934 days
#4 posted 03-13-2012 05:00 PM
My father has had several of those for years but never knew where to get them, I always like using it, I have one of those cheap ones from the borg and hate it.
-- "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." - Albert Einstein
bobasaurus
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3747 posts in 4634 days
#5 posted 03-14-2012 01:27 AM
I just bought a pair. I’m excited to try them out, since hand sanding is a pain and anything that can improve the process is well worth it.
-- Allen, Colorado (Instagram @bobasaurus_woodworking)
JohnLee
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25 posts in 3750 days
#6 posted 03-15-2012 02:47 AM
I agree about the Preppin Weapon. I wish they were cheaper, and I would have more than one.
-- John, Omaha
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