sanding tools

93accordSE wrote: How long do these sponge sand blocks last?

I've had mine for 2 years now. It's a 3M sponge block and it's great. It's the Hook It brand sponge block.

Jeff

Velocity Custom Home Theater

Mobile Audio/Video Specialist

Morden, Manitoba CANADA

I have some electrical tools, but I like to go old school when glassing.  Hand sanding is where it's at.  You can get a much smoother finish, as you can feel it better than you can with a DA, orbital, vibrating, etc sander.  Another tool that is very, very useful and makes short work, especially when dealing with bondo/duralite/etc. is a body file, available for $2.00 USD max at any auto parts store.  I get the blade only, and not the holder, as I can bend it to any contourthisway.  It makes mincemeat of the bigh spots in no time.  That, a piece of scrap wood (6 inches or less) adn some other stuff such as bean bags, hacky sacks, whatever I have lying around.  Some 40 grit, 80 grit, and progressively smoother grit, and I'm good to go.  If it's a larger, pretty much flat piece, I'll hit it a couple of times with the DA or belt sander, But for intricate stuff, I always hand sand.

I've never had anyone suggest a body file, i'm gonna have to find myself one. That would be an awesome tool.