Why Didn't I Think of this Before? Throw Away your old Sanding Block and make these... Seriously

Twice the sanding fun in a single block! A double sided, easy to make sanding block that you can really get a grip on. The paper is locked tightly and doesn't slip and can be changed in seconds.
I've made several sanding blocks over the years, but I think this one is probably the most practical. I used construction grade lumber to make the block and got fancy with the walnut clamps, but these can be made from any type of wood. You can even add a rubber padding to the face if you want something a bit softer.
These use a 1/4 sheet of standard sized sandpaper (11" x 9"), but can be sized bigger to use half of a sheet for sanding larger surfaces.
▶️ Project plans for sale: ibuildit.ca/plans/
▶️Support the work I do on Locals:
ibuildit.locals.com/
▶️ Patreon:
www.patreon.com/user?u=865843...
▶️ Join my Makers Mob for detailed build tutorials:
go.themakersmob.com/john-heis...
My "Scrap bin" channel:
/ ibuilditscrapbin
#ibuildit
#woodworking
Website: ibuildit.ca/
Facebook: / i-build-it-25804801424...
Instagram: / i_build_it.ca

[@JohnHeisz]

Twice the sanding fun in a single block! A double sided, easy to make sanding block that you can really get a grip on. The paper is locked tightly and doesn't slip and can be changed in seconds. I've made several sanding blocks over the years, but I think this one is probably the most practical. I used construction grade lumber to make the block and got fancy with the walnut clamps, but these can be made from any type of wood. You can even add a rubber padding to the face if you want something a bit softer. These use a 1/4 sheet of standard sized sandpaper (11" x 9"), but can be sized bigger to use half of a sheet for sanding larger surfaces.

[@rbclima]

Terrific idea! I'm definitely gonna give it a try, with a small change. I'll cut the groove in only one side. The sandpaper will be twice as long and I should be able to use all 3 sides of the block 😬

[@JoshuaRes]

The the blocks! Thoughts on the value of using hard wood for the block? Would that be better for flatness, or worse because it’s less forgiving?

[@brainsironically]

Just curious: what do you prefer, same grit on both sides of the block, or two different grits? I'm thinking two grits. But I'm curious about what you do. Thanks for the idea; very cool.

[@b3arwithm3]

Sorry but can't be changing paper in seconds. It would take me 10 min to find my screw driver

[@daifeichu]

It sort of slows things down only having one sanding block. This version looks really easy to make and having three or four sanding blocks loaded up with different grits will be very useful.

[@doakwolf]

Holy crap. I'd been watching your speaker build videos for a while but only just discovered you've got videos showing how to build everything needed in a workshop. From scratch. I'll be spending the entire weekend watching everything you've uploaded and then my entire life building them all! Router table first!

[@nerferfan]

I appreciate that John knows what a 'flat head screw' is!

[@jamescrawford9565]

After 30 years I finally look forward to hand sanding.

[@joshua-km8nt]

im 18, just bought 1400 dollars worth of tools and am currently a framer, I one day strive to be like you. this is just straight up art.

[@wiseoldfool]

That's either simply elegant, or elegantly simple!

[@terristroh3965]

Of all the block designs, this is my favorite.

[@halfbubbleout]

Elegant simplicity. The minimalist sanding block. Nice work, John!

[@davidgagnon2849]

Do you EVER have any time when you're NOT thinking? LOL This is brilliant! Thank you!

[@A_Stereotypical_Guy]

Wish my shop was this clean and organized lol

[@Martin-pb7ts]

Great idea to match the size against 1/4 of a standard sheet of sandpaper. I like that.

[@QuickTrainer]

John, you never cease to amaze me with your creativity. So simple, yet so effective! Awesome!

[@PaulMeyette]

I think I like this version best. (so far)

[@j.u.c.o]

John your ingenuity is neverending. I'll definitely be making these!

[@lloydrmc]

Your sandpaper cutter is brilliant!

[@ro_yo_mi]

There is beauty in a simple design.

[@BigBlack81]

Clean. Nothing more to say. So making this.

[@jaymemeulemans7482]

I am totally gonna make a few of these for myself

[@vbertrand]

Nice design!

[@thomask4836]

John, you are a genius!

[@markshipman4864]

It’s the simple things. Thanks John.

[@therelaxingwoodshop7495]

Making a boring sanding block look beautiful. Nice one

[@reversegreenpotato]

I normally just wrap paper around (on 3 sides) of a rectangular block of cork. Never had it slip, and does the job. Also find the extra give in the cork can help some applications. But as you said... anything to hate sanding less... so I will give this a try!

[@Tff733]

I made 3 of them in a couple of hours from scrap I had in the shop. They work great and they look great too. Thanks John.

[@ironpirate8]

And you get your sandpaper in attractive pastel shades too, looks lovely with the walnut. 😁

[@jamesg2382]

Very elegant design. Well done

[@wlkilmer]

I like these sanding blocks.

[@mlefe09]

I love them! I was thinking, maybe add a little round "groove" for the fingers?

[@bt9816]

You are the Chef John of wood working! Great design Btw!

[@mikebartoli4755]

I love watching brilliant people create simple solutions! Thank you for making this video!

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Wow, so simple and smart idea! I am definitely gonna try this out! Thank you

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks!

[@rbclima]

So do I!

[@jgbcodemonkey]

What a simple, clever design. I'll definitely be making a set of these for the shop. Thanks John!

[@sapelesteve]

As usual, more woodworking genius from John! Those sanding blocks are terrific! 👍👍

[@XDTheBestGamer]

so simple, yet so effective and useful, this is an incredible design!

[@nobuckle40]

Nice and simple! Thanks John.

[@audiotechlabs4650]

Brilliant! You always have projects that are useful! I will make these. ❤️from Colorado. Thanxz

[@N4CHO_]

I'm 100% going to make some of these. Great videos as always, John!

[@Lee-qp6gf]

Best sanding block I've seen.. you do a great job talking along with your work. Cheers, Lee

[@hassanal-mosawi4235]

Thanks for sharing those tips and the make!

[@fxm5715]

Freakin' brilliant, John. It's been a delight watching and participating in the evolution of this basic tool with you over the years. Thank you for sharing.

[@hjboots]

WOW that`s awesome you need to patent it. A great idea from a great woodworker. Thanks for sharing.

[@bedongskifrombedongdesign1062]

Thanks for the idea John, that is very nice and useful!!!

[@Blasfemurr]

Definitely my favorite so far - I've made all of your previous designs and am looking forward to giving this one a shot 👍

[@MadebyMagnus]

Great idea and thanks for sharing! So simple, yet briliant!

[@RBallarddesigns]

Nice simple design. Good job John

[@rjtumble]

love it, great little project

[@5309backbeat]

You are awesome John

[@douglassiemens4245]

Always thinking outside the box. Thanks.

[@terrymcmillan5105]

Brilliant implementation! On my to-do list.

[@johnkelley9877]

That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing it.

[@markhedquist9597]

Another cool innovation here... nice job!

[@tleg6969]

Perhaps putting a spring under the v-block would make it simpler to change paper, although it makes the assembly more complicated.

[@joe1071]

Simple. Beautiful

[@stephenemerson9890]

Great idea and well done.

[@IEnjoyCreatingVideos]

Great job on the sanding blocks John! Thanks for sharing the video with us!💖👍😎JP

[@wardman21]

I'll definitely be making these. Thank you!

[@mtozzy11]

I quite like that idea might make me a couple tomorrow. Thanks John

[@MCsCreations]

Brilliant, John! I'm definitely going to try a few of them as well! 😃 Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@tekkamanraiden6065]

That's pretty ingenious.

[@danfromnorth52]

I’m definitely going to make these. Brilliant. Thanks John

[@glennfelpel9785]

Outstanding! Very simple, but so effective. Great Idea Thank you.

[@joewhitney4097]

Nice little project John. Thanks for sharing.

[@kathrynnewton8721]

You always make it look so easy!

[@GarlandStringedInstruments]

Very clever idea - will be making some!

[@nelofernandez1459]

Added to my to do list, great idea to use 2 grit sand paper. Ive been using cork blocks for many years given to me by an old carpenter, very easy to change paper and you can use the 4 sides. Big thumbs up.

[@jonathanbrock3462]

Brilliant idea John!!

[@ryandury]

Such a great design, thanks John

[@wolfman75]

Awesome!!! Well Done John!!! Thank You For Sharing!!!! 🔥👍😎🤯

[@rsauve999]

Thanks for sharing this, John. Made 3 myself today...almost complete.

[@pointnemo369]

Looks great on paper. I think this is pure genius on your part.

[@WarrenDrakeVRN]

Great idea. I will have to give it a try!

[@tipcentric]

Great work John.

[@stepcraftgermany]

Great little workshop helper!👍

[@frank-t6857]

Nice idea. An improvement would be to drill through an sink a nut in the other side clamp and use a machine screw. I think these wood screws will make the holes larger over time. Alternatively you can sink cylindrical furniture nuts in the block.

[@scottschmidtmann2540]

Great idea!

[@donaldmumaw]

Awesome video John 👍

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks :)

[@usedcarsokinawa]

Great simple design. Thanks

[@jandastroy]

Those are really nice!

[@jgriff19861947]

Nice work you all ways have very good ideals

[@musamor75]

I've said this before and I'll say it again: you have a marvelous engineer's mind. Coming from me that's a compliment. If I may be allowed, I was a cabinet maker and furniture restorer for nearly 40 years. I personally have about 40 very different sanding blocks. Different radius round and hollow. Then there are a special series with hardwoods. I tend to favour the cloth bound sanding sheets, and sometimes rolls. For sanding complex mouldings I break it down into flats (1st), hollows, and rounds. These special cauls (blocks) are cork lined. I find this way the paper doesn't clog up so much. Some woods are almost oily, and can clog up the paper terribly. I'm also starting to use the Mirka Abranet sanding mesh- that doesn't clog AT ALL. I personally moisten the surface between sanding with very hot water. This brings up the fibres. The end result is spectacular (320/400 and sometimes up to 1000 grit) on woods like Ebony, Boxwood, Amarillo, and ivory. When you've done decades of French (shellac) polishing, and when a hole of even 0.002's looks like a crater, you get very fussy about how you sand. I never do freehand sanding, even on spindles and turned wood. You have just met Mr. Fussy! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. Greetings from France 🇫🇷

[@Damon_Barber]

Pretty cool idea!

[@PriceyBuilt]

Thanks for this video John. I made a couple this weekend. A nice quick half-hour project and they work really well. I need to get some more 2x4 timber, and then I'll make 3-4 more. I plan to label them all on the end with the grit so I have them ready to go and I know which one is which.

[@mikeplunkett2041]

I Love this!! Thank you!!

[@howardludwig9715]

wow, nice job, John!!!!!!!!

[@markwatters6875]

Great design. Thanks

[@AndreaArzensek]

Simple, beautiful and brilliant! Good job John!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Andrea :)

[@rufusTfirefly67]

Clever as usual--cool project, John!

[@idkmyname12]

Sandpaper is valuable to me. As someone who doesn't have many power tools, can't just go buy them (I've had to find other ways to cut and shape wood and do other things). I've been looking for a cube with sandpaper on the sides, perhaps even with different grits. I thought it wouldn't be that hard to find and would exist. But when I've look it up there's just been sponges, shopping can be pretty aggravating.

[@idkmyname12]

Please don't steal this.

[@tanjidurrahman3171]

Amazing!!! My opinion is to set the 'v' shaped hard wood on the shorter sides. It may decrease the chance of torning apart of sandpaper.

[@phooesnax]

Great idea

[@ConcreteLand]

Saved and soon to be built. Thx.

[@skippylippy547]

Love it! ❤

[@kentostlund6311]

Nice John!👍

[@darkmyble2006]

Yep.. I'll be making them.. as ever.. simple, elegant and a cost-effective solution

[@FishersShop]

Simple yet perfect! Nice!

[@JohnHeisz]

Thanks Drew :)

[@billffromnh]

I'll have to make some!

[@eugenetswong]

Hello from Canada. Thanks for the clever idea!

[@briangough30]

Just made a set. I think they are going to be very useful.

[@manuelruiz1854]

NICE, very good idea!!