How to Make a Sanding Block for Marquetry

A sandpaper block used with the right sandpaper grit can yield a smooth surface.

A sanding block is often superior to an electric tool because it is more sensitive to surface decoration. Sanding blocks give you tactile feedback. In marquetry, it is best to use a long sanding block in relation to your creation. Place your marquetry work on a flat surface to get even results. Start with 100 grit sandpaper blocks and progress to 150 grit and finer papers of 220 grit. Sanding blocks give consistent smoothness to marquetry surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• Wooden block
• Ruler
• Sand paper
• Straight edge razor blade
• Spray glue
• Clamps
• Scrap wood
• Permanent marker

Instructions

1. Use a palm size piece of wood or a larger piece if your marquetry design is extensive. You can cut six facing pieces of sandpaper from a standard 9 by 11-inch sheet, if you make a sanding block that measure 2 and 3/4-inches by 5 and 1/4-inches.

2. Bevel the edges of the block very slightly by running them across a sheet of sandpaper at a 45-degree angle.

3. Make certain your block is free of any dust and debris.

4. Measure and cut a 9-inch by 11-inch standard sandpaper sheet to fit your block surface size. Use a straight edged razor to cut the paper, as the sandy surface will dull blades quickly.

5. Spray the surfaces of both the wooden block and the back of the sandpaper with a light coat of spray glue. Wait 30 seconds for the glue to get tacky.

6. Place the sandpaper on the wooden block with the glue sides together.

7. Roll the sanding block on all the edges to make certain the paper is not curling up.

8. Lay an equal-sized piece of scrap wood on top of the sanding block and clamp them together for 15 minutes to ensure good adhesion.

9. Trim any excess paper from the edges with a straight edged razor blade.

10. Mark the grit size on the block with a permanent marker.

Tips & Warnings

• Watch so the sandpaper never curls at the edge of a sanding block, as this can put grooves in your marquetry.

• Another style of sanding block uses drilled channels across the block top to hold the sandpaper in place; 1/2-inch tubing is pressed into these channels, over the paper-wrapped block.

References

• Woodworking Tips: Sanding Block
• Wood-veneers: Marquetry Techniques
• Airfield Models-Model Building Tools: Sanding Blocks