How to Make a Sand Block

A sanding block provides better finishing than sanding by hand alone.

Hand sanding is a necessary part of many woodworking jobs. Even with electric sanders on the market, professionals still agree that at least your last or finest sanding be done by hand. This can be very hard on the fingers, so a sanding block is used instead. A sanding block will put an equal amount of pressure across the surface of the sand paper, making it last longer. You can make your own sanding block with a piece of 2-by-4 wood.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-4 board
• Chop saw
• 1/4-inch thick sheet of foam rubber
• Glue
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cut down a piece of 2-by-4 wood to a 4-inch wood block using a chop saw.

2. Cut a 4-by-4-inch piece of the 1/4-inch rubber foam using scissors.

3. Glue the foam rubber to the bottom of your sanding block. This foam will keep the sand paper from wearing while in use as well as hold it in place.

4. Wrap sandpaper around your block so that the back of the sand paper is on the foam rubber. This will keep the sandpaper from slipping while being used.

References

• Utah State University: Sanding