Best Blocks for Demanding Sanding
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- čas přidán 28. 08. 2024
- Learn how to make sanding blocks that advantage of the sharp grit and durability of belt sander belts for demanding sanding tasks. Using scraps and a simple wood wedge these blocks hold belts flat and firm to remove wood fast without compromising integrity of detailed edges and contours to produce a professional grade finished surface. Whether you make a batch of blocks or a single sander the time spent is an investment that pays you back every time it makes project completion better and faster.
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Best concept for a sanding block that I've seen and certainly the nicest looking. I'm wondering how you might make them without the shop equipment/patience. I guess using a sheet material such as birch ply and then pinning/gluing a bullnose trim on each end. Straight cut the block 1 inch in and then wedge between this cut to tension?
Your simplified method sounds valid as long as your 'straight cut' includes an angle to conform to a single wedge. Otherwise it would require a pair of wedges in a gap with parallel sides... a little more fuss but certainly viable if restricted by limited access to shop equipment? Personally I think it would be simpler to just round-over your plywood ends by sanding rather than finding/making a bullnose trim to glue on. Bottom line is that your viewpoint that not all viewers are going to go all out for a sanding block is probably much more realistic than mine that thinks they will😉🤣 BTW you should have seen the hodgepodge I was using for sanding blocks of this type before making the set for this video 😏
@@NextLevelCarpentry The pair of wedges thing occurred to me just after posting that message, of course - and that would be too fiddly, so the angle cut is definitely better. If you haven't got some bullnose hanging around (I usually have some in the scrap bin) then sanding for sure is easier. I guess the bullnose would just give you a quicker consistency and accuracy over multiple pieces which would reduce the variables of the fit and wedge calculations. I'm fascinated by the elegant problem solving that is often arrived at in woodwork and my first thoughts are how can it be simpler. Seeing so many over engineered sanding blocks beforehand made yours stand out. William NG has a nice design also that uses a wedge which is worth checking out. Thanks again.
Can quite literally make these with a basic handsaw, a sheet of 100 grit sandpaper and something true and flat to lay it over (thick piece of glass or tile, stone countertop maybe...anything to put the sandpaper over to plane out, true up edges and make things flat.)
Most importantly, a calibrated eyeball, some 3/4 stock, 3x21" belt, and the inclination to make that happen.
*This is exactly what I needed for trimming the edge of oak boards **MyBest.Tools** I also used the disk to round edges while building an oak - walnut cabinet.*
Great video as always, I know what I’m doing with the scraps from my stair treads on the next one.
Good plan Anton... stair tread scrap and extra treads are great for stuff like this! Best, Matt
I feel lucky to have stumbled upon these videos. Its like an internship as apprentice, watch and learn from decades of process development. Thank you for these, it really is next level.
I feel lucky too Erik... every 'new' viewer helps Next Level Carpentry grow which I really appreciate! Best, Matt
I am continually humbled by your channel; your "tools" are better than my projects. 🤣
Thank you for what you do. 🙏
So kind of you to say, Jason... thanks! Best, Matt
I'm 75 years old and retired. I also stumbled on your channel and I love it. I am a Master Plumber but very much an apprentice when it comes to wood. Love your channel, please keep it going.
Welcome Louis... glad you found Next Level Carpentry. You mention Master Plumber so you might find a bit of extra humor in this segment of this video where I mention 'my favorite plumber': czcams.com/video/BfA847xItcg/video.html I bet you two would have a great time talkin' if you ever had the chance!
Best, Matt
Love the process on these BEST Blocks for Demanding Sanding™ 😊
I really like how you edit your posts. Some people show all the cuts, causing the post to be too long. This shows what you did for one piece and then you said you carried out the same actions with the remanding pieces.
In woodworking and carpentry there are far many more hacks then true craftsman. It isnt til one watches a channel like yours that they figure out which category they are in. I find I have a lot to learn and I always do learn from your ideas, techniques and informative wit. Keep up the channel you have found your calling as a teacher. Thanks for all you do.
It's all about the 'hands on resume', isn't it? There's a lot of smoke and mirrors out there these days but your eye for 'the real deal' should be a real benefit for learning Mark... Best, Matt
Next Level Carpentry what is the brand name of the beeswax you used?
I feel like I’m the last person to a great party... your videos are awesome. Thanks to Covid I’ve had enough time to go deep on your videos over the last week and I appreciate everything you are sharing. I’ve incorporated several of your lessons into a current project I have taking shape in my garage I only wish I would have found you sooner. As a ‘weekend warrior’ I appreciate you not trying to condense your videos into 10minute overviews...in this case the details are what’s meaningful and I value them. Oh, and I’m taking tomorrow off to make sanding blocks. Keep on truckin’!
Thanks for watching and commenting here duece2kTwo, I'm glad you found NLC too! Better late than never? BTW I think you'll find a set of these sanding blocks an investment of time and effort that will pay dividends for decades to come! Best, Matt
You're a genius. Love all your videos. This channel deserves a million subscribers. Thanks, please keep up the good work.
With your subscription I need one less to hit that 'million subscribers' mark... Thanks!! Best, Matt
Wow, sure humbling at 74 YO to see a real Pro. Every move perfect and no wasted time. Very impressive. Learned a lot!
I have finally finished making my own set of demand sanding blocks. They are the best I used. Thank you!
You are sure welcome and I'm glad to hear you like your new best blocks for demanding sanding! I use my frequently and still smile each time😎
These sanding blocks are a great addition to my shop. I use them daily. Thanks a lot.
I really hope you have some kids that you can pass all your knowledge and all the things you make on to. you are awesome man. you seem to be a smart fellow.
Dang, Matt - I am getting addicted to your videos - you are a great teacher - I don't think there is any way I can condense your education down to my 3 Minute Overview format. You have my respect!
Thanks SWG, it's good to know you like what you found here. The respect is mutual: you can't imagine how hard I've tried to do a video in 3-minute overview format! I simply cannot do it, a fact that bewilders me... there's just something about the gap between quickly doing a task and trying to show how to do it quickly. I appreciate your comments and what you're accomplishing with your channel. Best, Matt
Thanks, Matt. Another winner!
Always good to end the day with the same numbers of fingers you started with!
WOW! Your Channel is a breath of fresh air. I love the fact that you keep things simple and you don't use special equipment for the sole purpose product promotion.
Thanks for watching and taking the time to share such an appreciative comment Randy.
I try to keep it real because that's the way I work so it's always nice to hear somebody that find Value in that format.
Best, Matt
Simply another revisit for better details! Semper Fi
Even in the simple things you build I’m impressed with your skill
Ah.a wedge...clever and the results are a set of handy tools
That glue holder at 8:24 is also awesome. lol Love seeing small little details in these vids.
Here's a newer CA glue holder I made... I think you'll think it's awesomer: czcams.com/video/8KU1u_5xvV0/video.html Best, Matt
I love your videos...You have taught this somewhat old guy so much....Being almost 45 years old and just getting into woodworking I appreciate you so much!!!
Glad to hear it Jason... it's my goal to share what I've learned to help others who are eager to learn with their journey. Regarding age, I heard no truer words than these:
40 is the old age of youth... 50 is the youth of old age.
What you learn now will be with you for a long time to come...
Best, Matt
Another great video Matt. I did finish carpentry from ‘90-2011 for a living. Now it’s for “sweat equity”. I still enjoy it. Your videos keep me “fine tuned”. Thanx
Great to have a good woodworking skill set in your back pocket for that Sweat Equity thing isn't it?! Thanks for commenting and I'm glad you like the videos. Best, Matt
Very relaxing to watch master creative workings.
I just watched your cord holder video and I saw you use these blocks. I'm glad I stumbled onto this one. Now I can make my own. Thanks
I have been a woodworker for > 30 years and I have never seen anything like this. Fantastic idea, thanks for sharing this.
I can't even remember who I 'stole' the idea from but it was a LONG time ago. I think I've improved and streamlined the blocks to the point I don't feel guilty for not giving credit where it's due though.😌 Best, Matt
Super shims, demanding sanding... I’m learning more than carpentry watching your channel!
But WAIT! There's more!! Sorry James... I just had to add that😀😎 Hope you continue to find useful stuff here at Next Level Carpentry! Best, Matt
I'm glad you say that adding the 3* angle to the hardwood-end of the block where the wedge rides was "silly," because you'd lost me there; I wasn't quite sure what you were doing, or why.
By the way, you look like you're having a calm Zen-moment as you're applying the beeswax finish at the end of the video; nothing's quite as relaxing as bringing out the essence of the wood using a traditional finish. Thanks for all these interesting lessons.
I've never really put it that way but applying a beeswax finish or even gel polyurethane on beautiful wood at the end of a project truly is a zen-like experience...
OOOHHHMMMMM.... OOOHHHMMMMM 😌😌
Love it! As Elco said "schooled again!" Thanks Matt
Your videos are superbly done
I've learned a new word today: Glue "oozage"!
It just goes to show!
We not only learn carpentry in your videos but we enrich our vocabulary too!😁
I have been using these blocks for years , but not with wedge , very clever !
I too stumbled upon these a few months ago and thought - hmmm -these are interesting. about 3 weeks ago found some belts and thought - hmmm - maybe I should try - and did. I made 4 and have used them each time I have been in the shop ever since! Thanks for the idea and inspiration.
Youbetcha Adrian... glad you found this helpful... I too use 'em often and am glad I don't have to do without them in my 'arsenal'! Best, Matt
Just a hobbyist, but your videos have opened up a whole new dimension of woodworking. Thanks for all the hard work. Wish you were in the Sprinter camper van conversion business. Your insight into creating structurally strong light weight durable cabinets in a space with no square, level or plumb surfaces would probably be revolutionary. CZcams has some good ideas but many mostly amateurs.
What a coinkidik! Watching one of your other great instructionals, I gaspped at the sight of these sanding blocks. I actually browsed your channel hoping you would show us bow you did it. They have to be the best sanding blocks ever made.
Glad you liked and found these Michael... BTW they'll be shown in use in the next video upload here at Next Level Carpentry in another example of their usefulness... Best, Matt
Great education on your videos. You are a really neat mix of wood crafter and technician.
Well every time I sand something my wife says my face looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp so this will not only improve my results but also my looks , thanks Matt you truly are a super star.
Rob.
'like a bulldog chewing a wasp' LOL!! 🤣🤣
Before buying this sander I would use a rotary sander czcams.com/users/postUgkx3Pc2vLXfcgM5oIpF1iYcIWyFhHUC-G6v and didn't see the need for a belt sander. Boy was I wrong. this belt sander does the job quickly and gives a professional finish to the wood work.
Jigs and sleds apply to disk and belt sanders, too. You of all people (being one that loathes sanding) should also invest into a good belt and disk sander. I know you will find them very useful as you are one who makes all manner of jigs and sleds for production work on the table saw, and so it is for a disk sander or a belt sander. Good sanding blocks, I'm going to make a few! Thanks!
I subscribe to a lot of woodworking channels and while many are excellent, I like yours the best. The 2 things that pushed you over the top in my book: your how-to videos are just awesome, and secondly, your absolute hatred of sanding. A trait I also share.
Funny that acute sand-o-phobia is something we have in common w4shep... LOL! I'm quite pleased to know you rate Next Level Carpentry so highly... really means a lot when I consider the sheer volume of woodworking channels out there where most, if not all, are produced so much more professionally. As I bumble through video production I'm always grateful for the grace given me by appreciative viewers like you. The best is yet to come... Matt
Next Level Carpentry I’m just starting as a woodworker, got decades of construction experience (former electrician) and I appreciate the straightforward videos, and the tool recommendations on Amazon. Electricians only to remember to grab a tools with “Klein” stamped on it - there’s a helluva lot more tools for woodworking!
PS I too love free wood from pallets.
Nothing but Kliens... but a tool belt full of Kliens would weigh you down, right? Sparkies on commercial jobs seemed to carry a ridiculous amount of tools with them when doing rough-in work. I never envied that! I look forward to comments from you on other videos here, old and new, as you build you newfound skillset. With your sand-o-phobia disease you'll end up doing better work IMHO because those who don't mind it so much tend to need it a LOT more to sand their way out of mistakes or sloppy workmanship. If you watch my Professional Pushsticks video you'll see how I use simple templating for curved work where the 'sanders' tend to justify purchasing oscillating spindle sanders for such curved work. Stay tuned... Best, Matt
I have watched your push stick video and plan on making some templates of your push sticks (or slight variation thereof) as soon as my wood shop is up and running. Templates are definitely the way to go - hope mine can also pass the floor test 😁
@@w4shep Good to hear you like the template process/idea... it serves me well... I just wish everything I subject to a 'floor test' passed so well! 😬🙄😢 Best, Matt
Yes, motivated by your use in recent NLC project.
You are my kind of lunatic. I really wish i didnt HAVE to do any carpentry at all and could just be the painter that puts the touch on work like yours but, I am surrounded by the inept so I had to start doing it myself because i know how things are supposed to look and it aint what im seeing these days.
Thanks for your detail and pro tips!
Always glad to meet a fellow lunatic William! I think so much of carpentry is covering for shortcomings of most other trades since we're the first on the job and last to leave we end up picking up all the pieces that get dropped and strewn along the way.
Glad to know details are important to you too! Best, Matt
Thanks, Matt, for this informative video. I have some nice walnut and maple I will use to make a set of these. So glad I stumbled on to your videos today. Brand new subscriber so I will visit you often. Stay safe! Thanks so much.
Welcome to Next Level Carpentry Ray! Your new blocks will be great to use, and greater because of the nice wood you have to make them from... Best, Matt
Next level is an understatement. I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you!
another lesson from the shop,,,I am still a student,,,learning new methods,,ways,,and skills thru videos like this,,thanks for sharing
You're welcome Jimi... I too am still a student learning new and interesting stuff all the time recently learning how to cut graphite and hook up a dust collector after 45 years doing woodwork... go figure, right? Stay tuned for more... Best, Matt
I needed to revisit the Next Level Carpentry regarding the Sanding Blocks! I'm glad I did! Many thanks. Oh! and BTW, I sent you a message off line! Semper Fi
You got me at those 2x4 saw horses. I love your exactness on every project...something I often lack. Great video, thank-you for sharing...oh and yes, I like the humour too.
Glad to hear it Paulo... thanks for watching and commenting! Best, Matt
Truly a timeless and valuable tutorial
Thank you. Once I finish my workbench I want to make these as well as the saw horses. Glad I found your videos 👍
Go for it Tasha... and have fun! Having those things on hand will give you a measure of satisfaction not found in 'store bought' versions of the 'same' tools. Work safe and enjoy! Best, Matt
Thanks for posting this video Matt as I just made 6 of these sanding blocks this weekend. I put some Slip It on the 3 degree end of the long block and also put it all over the short wedge block and it was a big improvement on getting the wedge blocks in and out. As the sanding belts that I already had varied quite a bit in overall length, I made some extra wedge blocks in various widths to accommodate my sanding belt collection.
Way to adapt and improvise Mark... I like the way you compensate for variables to get things to work. Nice! Best, Matt
Hi really enjoy your videos ..a pleasure to see another fine Craftsman at work ....I made my sanding blocks from oak Stair Tread cut offs they work great .
You just saved me some $$. I bought belt sander belts that were a size to big and was just about to throw them out. Now they have
a use :)
Glad to hear it, Jesse! Re-purpose those sanding belts and rescue a few scraps of wood in the process... a win-win deal if there ever was one :-)
Matt
25 years ago I was working in downtown Seattle doing TI work in commercial building. We used something like that to clean up trim that we were going to reuse. It’s been in my shop ever since. It’s quick and easy. I usually have one on my bench regardless of the project I am doing.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge it was an honor.
You bet, Kristopher, it's an honor to share with appreciative folks like you too! Best, Matt
A New Subscriber !!! I Like Your Down To Earth Style !!! Will Make At Least 3 For My Own Use .. Best Regards From The High Desert Of New Mexico
Thanks for watching and subscribing Stephen, especially since my 'down to earth style' is a by product of not knowing much about producing flashy videos. You live in a beautiful part of the world, sir! Welcome to NLC... Best, Matt PS I think you'll really like having a few sanding blocks of this style/design on hand in your shop!
Thank you, for this tutorial. I haven’t seen these before.
You're welcome Ryan... I hope you get a chance to make one or a few because they really are great for certain 'demanding' applications. I use them often in the shop and smile when they work so well 😎 Best, Matt
Hi Matt. I finally watched your video on making these sanding blocks today. For the past two months every time I go to the big box hardware stores and pass by the sand belts, I have been resisting the temptation to get froggy and buy some before watching your video. Now I can finally make the jump and achieve my dream of building my very own “Best Blocks for Demanding Sanding”.
Thank you so much for taking the time and energy to pass on your wisdom. I learn a lot of subtle things from watching you. Your example also validates the things I somehow do right but have forgotten or take for granted the reasons why. You have a keen way of setting the “proper precise pace” for efficiency in our world that has become so demanding. I regain my patience, focus, and serenity from watching you so thank you once again for all that you do.
Quick request: I hear you discuss the different types of wood. I have never been keen enough to recognize many species. If it is in a big box store on the shelf, I can usually make out the three or four materials they tend to offer. However if I had to tear apart pallets and correctly identify the materials as I have seen you do, I would be lost. Definitely a skill separating the true pro from the want-to-be. Two questions: How might I gain some wisdom in recognizing the raw materials? Any recommendations on how to source a supplier of exotic or not as frequently used materials would be greatly appreciated. Slowly working towards maybe doing some ukulele building or equivalent. Materials such as koa, maple, rosewood, and spruce are common building materials but not normally in a big box store. Thoughts?
Great story here Scott... much appreciated! A great place to start is any decent local hardwood supplier... the kind where those who do woodwork for a living go. Owl Hardwoods in Denver is an example. WoodCraft stores also have a unique variety of exotics and probably have an enthusiastic staff and/or following that are likely willing to tell you how much they know about such things. It's a great age of knowledge and information so your efforts to learn will be much more fruitful than in the past. My recommendation is to tear into an intimidating project and grind your way through. It's kind of like scaling a mountain with dense undergrowth in the valley and slopes below. It's a lot of work, you're going to become exhausted, scratched and battered on your ascent... but once you clear the treeline and look back at the path you've taken things will never look the same again when you look back at where you started. THAT perspective is only gained through personal effort. The fact that you opted to make sanding blocks instead of 'wimping out' and buying some tells me you're the kind of person who's willing to invest that personal effort for the sense of accomplishment it inevitably leads to. All the best! Matt
Next Level Carpentry Hi Matt. Wimping out is typically not my downfall. Taking on too many things at any given time is more of my nemesis than anything. Thank you for the recommendation! There is a WoodCraft store in a close by neighboring city. I will make an effort to visit it in the not too distant future. I agree technology has brought a lot of avenues towards self education. Glorious times we are blessed to live in. Thank you again for the guidance. Sincerely, Scott
@@srjscott you share an affliction with many-a-woodworker in that it's far easier to start projects with a blast of enthusiasm than it is to finish them with a mire of drudgery. Hope your visit to WoodCraft is educational and inspiring.... Best, Matt
Just bought some wood and some belt sander, I am gonna make a set like yours.. Looks awesome. Thx for the video
I really think you'll be glad you did! FWIW just this morning I was using one of mine on a current client project... they really are the best blocks for demanding sanding!
Great to see a master at work and, to see that you enjoy it as well.
That is a brilliant solution the the sanding block dilemma.
You'll find they're as functional as they are 'brilliant' e Rob... hope you get a chance to make and use one... or a set! Best, Matt
I hope your doing well
I enjoy your professional
Work,and your OCPD,your decently next level
Simple, effective useful. Awesome! Thanks for this, Matt.
Hope you get to make one or a few to try them out Dwight... I think you'll like 'em! Best, Matt
I made one like yours years ago. I have not discovered CZcams at that time and did not see one before. Made that out of necessity. Except I hand sanded the wood to fit snuggly inside the belt. Lost a bit of finger nail when fitting that in. The wedge idea made very good sense. Thank you for sharing.
Some of the simplest ideas are the best. I added a 120g sanding disk to an order to get delivery included and will be making a block very soon. Perfect for cleaning up the edge of plywood sheets before they rough up the fence on a table saw. I always appreciate the little tips you freely give out.
I have definitely gain something here, thank you for sharing your knowledge...
You're welcome Robert! Thanks for posting a comment here... Best, Matt
Thanks! I can’t wait to make some!!😃👍
What an excellent take on the old sanding block. Great idea fella and a great video on how to make them too. I did smile when you started cutting the 3 degrees on the shims too.
Hey Craig, if the 3 degree shim cuts didn't drive you away from this video and channel there's hope for it after all! 😎 Best, Matt
Perfection is always good
Bee's wax ... soaking in! That's me trying to learn some kind of carpentry. I enjoy your videos and saw a more recent one with you using these sanding blocks. I thought where can I get a set of these blocks? You reply ... just make em with belt sanding belts! Thanks for making these videos! If you feel like you don't have a huge audience, we are here and watching. Thank YOU!
Thanks so much James. I think you'll appreciate a set of blocks you make for many, many years to come... Thanks too for being 'here and watching'! Best, Matt
I am amazed not only of your woodworking technical skills which are incredibly superior to most but really impressed by your communication skills and your ability to “cut to the chase” without fanfare or a bunch of needless and worthless fluff or chitchat. I predict that someday you may retire and start an apprentice school with curriculum completely developed and presented by you and serious students wont mind being placed on a wait-list for their opportunity to attend. You are of genius caliber and can be absolutely successful at this endeavor should you choose to do so.
Another good video Mark, I will try this out soon
Thank you for this. As a recent newcomer to your videos, I particularly appreciate your attention to the utmost detail. The videos could become quite difficult if it were not for your humour - and the showing the mistakes that we all make. I also appreciate a wood shop that has dust in that; I can’t believe the almost operating theatre cleanliness of some that I see on YT - I can never get anywhere near that. For those reasons, you are certainly in my top 3 of the best channels to watch and learn from (always learning)
Just some thoughts from a (serious hobby) cabinet maker of over 45 years. There are usually several right ways to do something and several wrong ways; you now have the previously unheard of advantage of being able to watch highly skilled craftsmen and absorb the skills but also the psychological approach of a craftsman. The key to continued success is accuracy and consistency; I have found that those come from pride and patience. Machines don’t, in themselves, make you better. Machines, adhesives and hardware have changed woodworking totally since I began; choose and use the best of them to improve your product. Beware of the myriad gadgets out there - they are usually designed to make you poorer and not your work better.
I use a different style of sanding block because I use strip pieces of abrasive (usually offcuts from my sanding machines). The principal of having many sanding blocks (80 grit, 120, 180, 240 and 320 here in the UK) remains.
Thanks for a great comment Theo! Love your quote:
"Machines don't , in themselves, make you better“... Very well put!
I appreciate your perspective on a shop with dust... A woodworking shop that has dust is far more productive than a dust collection shop that does woodworking IMHO😎
I like the fact you repurpose your scraps. Another great idea for the shop! Thanks
Billey, sad truth is that those mesquite scraps have been sitting around for almost 10 years and I still hesitated to cut 'em up! The longer stuff sits around seems to elevate it's value far beyond reality, doesn't it?
Thanks for the comment, you're most welcome!
Matt
I think those are the nicest sanding blocks I’ve ever seen! Well done
Thanks Rico!
That’s a very good idea. In the past, I have glued sandpaper to a 5 gallon paint bucket stir stick. I do have 2 packs of different grit sandpaper that’s too big for my belt sander. Now I know exactly what to do with them! Thank you.
I made one of your sanding blocks today. Wow these are so neat ! I just had to add a little something to it so I could call it mine. (: I ran a core box groove down each side making it a little easier for these old hands to grip it. You channel certainly is”next level”. Mike
Others have mentioned adding a core box groove down each side too.. great minds think alike. Now I need to play catch-up and add that useful feature to mine in a case of teacher learns from student... thanks! Best, Matt
Great stuff. I not only want my shop to be efficient but look good. I feel these blocks you made do both. Thank so much for your willingness to share your knowledge. I've grown because of it and my shop will also look nice too! Thank you!
Sweet NSA... glad to hear it! You're quite welcome for sure... Best, Matt
As an installer I have 2 sanding blocks. I have the Time Shaver Preppin' Weapon with a variety of paper/grits. For heavy material removal I have a block a bit like what you are showing in this video. I think I used 3/4 ply. Mine is a one piece block. One end is rounded over and the other end is square for getting into corners.
Thanks for simple but profound instructions on making carpentry even more enjoyable than it already is.
I’m always riveted to your innovations and excited at putting them into practice.
Glad to hear it David... more to come! 😎
I've had a similar sanding block now for over 30 years. It's a 2x4 with both ends chamfered sort of round. I slip my sanding belt on it and it works like a charm. Learned it from an old timer. Now I'm that old timer. I love your high tech sanding blocks so much I just have to make some myself.
Al Bert, I know the sort of sanding block you refer to... had some pretty weak examples of the blocks shown in the video so I too got an upgrade when I did the video... a bit of irony there! I think you'll really like and appreciate these guys the first time you put them to use. Best, Matt
Op
Thanks, really can appreciate how much time and hard work goes into these videos, you’ll always get a thumbs up from me!
Thanks for that appreciation Glen and for reassurance of a 'thumbs up'! I'm working towards streamlining the video production process to reduce the 'time and hard work' that it takes to 'build' a video but it's a struggle for this 'ol nail bender. With appreciative and patient viewers like yourself I do believe the best is yet to come! Best, Matt
Thank you
Matt...a lot of great Content...Tips & Tricks! I can see where every Shop should have a Set of those DSB's!
DSB's... patent pending 😁 Thanks Cheewurz... I was using ones from my set just yesterday on a bunkbed build project with a good friend and commented to him I'm glad I did this video because it got me to make a whole matching set to replace the random/assorted collection I'd made over the years using all the 'new and improved' tips and tricks shown in the video. Belt sanding belt sandpaper is some very durable and aggressive stuff (as you know) so I love how fast and accurate they perform...
Best, Matt
One observation - Your narrative has a lot of useful content, with very few wasted words - worth listening to, maybe twice! Thank you for this unusual idea.
Thanks Thomas, I really have to hack at my recorded video/audio to whittle it down to 'useful content' and it's good to know it comes across as 'a lot of useful content' rather than nothing more than jumpy, un-smooth video that's hard to watch and process :-)
Tioga, you're just a little ray of sunshine everywhere you go, aren't you?
I love the edits! It must to you ages to process, but it's well appreciated. You cut out the pauses and crap other presenters hang up on.
defunct, you are correct about taking 'ages to process'... I'm almost embarrassed to admit how many hours it takes to turn a project into a video. I can easily make something simple like a batch of these sanding blocks in a few hours but it takes all my spare time for a week or more for video production 🙄😓 Not a complaint though, because comments like yours make the effort worthwhile. Best, Matt
Next Level Carpentry I'll second Defunct's comments and encourage you to laugh at Tioga Fretworks who clearly needs a hug and maybe some cookies
Outstanding! Thank you sir!
I really appreciate being able to learn from you. I admire your knowledge from actual experience, commitment to the craft, and talent to boot. Keep the tips and tricks coming!
Happy to oblige Gerard... thanks for watching and commenting here! Best, Matt
spectacular idea. I'm gonna use it, thanks
I am so making these for my workshop, thank you :)
I think you'll wonder how you ever got along without 'em Brian! Best, Matt
Matt absolutely great. Never would have thought of that. Thanks. Keep’em coming.
You betcha, Gerald! BTW I noticed the date written on the old block shown as an example in this video... made that block as one of 3 back in 1996! Can you believe THAT?! 22 years ago and still going strong... I get the notion this batch will outlast me :-)
Best,
Matt
I follow your channel and always find interest in your experience, but I never watched this video... I'm like 25 minutes on sanding blocks? It kept coming up so, finally, I had to sate my curiosity. Like all your videos, there's more here than meets the eye. Although the sanding blocks are pretty much the BEST ever, it turns out they are only the welcome byproduct from absorbing all your process advice and tips that can be applied to many other things. I should never have underestimated you!
I try to keep reason for underestimation to a minimum Dan and hope I can continue to provide more content than expected.👍😀😎 Best, Matt
I think that you should consider doing a video on the making of the out feed stands. Though a lot of the work that you and I do is wood related, remember, we are after all, tradesmen, and sometimes using other materials such as metal, glass, stone or wood is part of that world. I for one would love to see just how it is done, and would most certainly make a couple. I have done very little welding and an exorcise such as this is just what people like myself as well as others need to expand and develop new skills. Think about it. Thanks for a great channel.
Daniel, I was afraid of this... a well reasoned and compelling explanation for why I should do a roller stand video :-) With your comment I've officially added a roller stand build to my to-do video list. The unfortunate part is that, with my current cludgy system of throughput for videos, it takes a long time to go from concept to completion. I constantly strive to improve video quality to speed up the production process which hopefully will make this happen sooner than later but it will still require forbearance on your part. I'm anxious for this channel to reach a 'tipping point' that justifies hiring a production team of some sort but, near as I can tell, that doesn't happen until subscriber count is in the 50~75k range which is still a ways out.
Thanks for your insight on this because its the sort of feedback that helps direct and improve Next Level Carpentry for fellow tradesmen! Best, Matt
Thank you Master. Your easy way, and humor, reminded me that I wanted to be a carpenter when I was a young man..so long ago. Perhaps I will finally start my apprenticeship. With your help.
Hey Matt, what a great video. I could sit here and watch you work for hours at a time. Your so smooth in your motions. I may have told you that before and if I have I’m sorry for repeating myself but that shows that you are the same way in every video. I’m going to attempt to make these after I watch your video several times. I went through an ordeal trying to put new sandpaper on a set of round units you can put in your drill press or your drill. You have to tuck both ends of the sandpaper into this slot and Lordy I could never get both ends into this small slot. I’m not a quitter but I just gave up on it got a block of wood and glued the sandpaper on it. It worked just fine. I like yours because they look like they fit in your hand real good and long enough to really cover some ground with them too. Great job and great video. Thanks for sharing Matt.
Hey Becky, thanks for complimenting this video... I start out thinking 'this will be quick and easy' then it takes many hours over a week and still ends up at 25 minutes to make a simple sanding block!
Make sure you're comfortable using your router/router table for making the block and wedges. Make pieces big enough to handle safely, especially the wedges. You could do the round-over routing in a few shallow passes rather than all at once because there's less tendency for bits and blades to grab pieces when they're not removing as much material. These blocks won't replace a 'spindle-type' sander like the round ones you mention but they're indispensable in the shop... let me know if you get in a pickle if/when you try to make one and I'll do my best to talk you through it, OK?
Your enthusiasm and passion for woodworking will take you far!
Best,
Matt
Thank you for all the tips and tricks. I'm learning a lot from you and other CZcamsrs I have to make do with what materials I find available and in the process of following and doing what is presented really is making things easier and better. I made 3 sanding blocks using MDF scraps and found them to work great. one block turned out loose and I was able to tighten it up using painters tape wrapped around the dowel for adjustment.
Thank you for the instructional video! I'll be making two sets of these. One to use and one to give to a friend. Cheers!
I made many for each workbench. I cut a dowel rod in half for both ends and shimmied what was needed.
Damn, i wished i have met or seen your vids about 30 years ago, your way of work and teaching makes me wanna build stuff... (and wish for a bigger shop😂)
Matt, I like the Mercedes/ Festool quality you put into the little shop tools that are so helpful.....and they’ll last a long long time !
Hey, thanks Don! I know that the set of blocks I made for this video will be the last I'll ever need 😁😎 It's great to see your comment here... hope you've had a great summer with at least a little time to relax and enjoy! Best, Matt
dont mention festool, they will bring out a copy and charge 50 bucks, and another 50 for a systainer to put em in ;0)
Sorry Green Man.....you’re right !
No worries Mr Don... comparison to a Mercedes can't be a bad thing by any stretch IMHO! Best, Matt
True con-fes-ion: I don't own a single fes-tool or fes-tainer but somehow manage to get by.... Best, Matt