Rubber Sanding Block

From a woman's point of view, this is the best sanding block ever! For years I have had two sanding blocks-one of black rubber and one just like this red one. The black one, for some reason, leaves black marks on everything and is much too hard to pull up to change the paper. My red one never leaves marks, always holds the paper, but is pliable enough to make changing grits easy. Does a great job sanding, too. I bought one from Rockler's during their sale, which alerted me to the fact that they carried these blocks, and I am sorry now that I didn't buy more! for I am now purchasing two additional ones...just in case they disappear again! This sanding block lasts and lasts, but I plan to be lazy like the rest of the guys and use one for each grit. Thanks, Rockler! Just another one of your great products!

This block is good, but could be better. I have a similar one that I bought somewhere years ago, and it is better. Here's why. The older sanding block is a true 5" long, and the space allowed for a 9" sandpaper strip is 9-1/8". This block is 4-7/8" long and the space for a 9" strip is slightly less than 9", so when one tries to mount the sandpaper snugly, it bottoms out in the slots and is still slightly loose. Additionally, the block has a raised hump in the center of the "flat" surface, due to what looks like a little extra rubber injected into the mold. I'll glue a sheet of cork to the flat surface, which should help both problems.

No doubt the best block out there. Regarding the review of the block being too short, forget it: push the paper in and it will fold itself and fit fine. The mention of a high spot in the center is, however, noteworthy. It's a serious flaw: you are not sanding with a truly flat surface-not good if the stock sanded needs to be perfect. Also, the paper wears unevenly and prematurely. Sanding or filing the center offers some improvement.