sanding tools
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=38686
Printed Date: July 12, 2025 at 5:59 PM
Topic: sanding tools
Posted By: tnrplaya
Subject: sanding tools
Date Posted: September 06, 2004 at 4:43 PM
what does everyone use to sand out there? I have been using a Ryobi "corner cat" which works pretty well, but i am having a hard time getting into tight corners and inside curves...i dont have a compressor so if anyone has any good electric tools they like to use i'd really appreciate sone tips! links to mfg website would be super helpfull! thanks, ~alvin ------------- PG Limited Edition Octane Aplifier
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Replies:
Posted By: 93accordSE
Date Posted: September 06, 2004 at 5:42 PM
I am looking for a good sander aswell. I have one similar to the "corner cat" too.
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Posted By: Alpine Guy
Date Posted: September 06, 2004 at 6:01 PM
I use a black and decker mouse, , it comes with an extension thats about 2" long and as wide as your finger for those tight spots.
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Posted By: 93accordSE
Date Posted: September 06, 2004 at 7:34 PM
What about rotational ones?
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Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: September 06, 2004 at 7:40 PM
I use a soft sanding block  . This is old school, but when it comes to something sanding something with a longer flat section in it, you can't get a straighter finish with a rotational sander than a soft block. U used to use my mini DA sander for everything smaller, but now I use the soft bock and I love it. Give me a better finish and it takes half the time ( believe it or not ). ------------- Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA
Posted By: tnrplaya
Date Posted: September 07, 2004 at 6:43 PM
do you have a picture of this "soft block" is it one of those sponge thingys? Or where can I get one? Home Depot? thanks for your help Jeff! ~Alvin ------------- PG Limited Edition Octane Aplifier
PG Ti400.2
(2) JL12w6v2
Focal 165KF
JL TR-690TXi
Sony XAV-7W
Sony 10 Disc MP3 Changer
X-box
APC 350W inverter
Monster 1/0
Irragi 180A Alternator
Posted By: TalonRacer04
Date Posted: September 07, 2004 at 6:59 PM
Yah, you can get those sanding blocks for like $1.25 at Home Depot, there with all the other sanding paper. They work really good, bend and get good angles.
Posted By: xtreamcc
Date Posted: September 08, 2004 at 6:12 PM
I used a regular sheet sander for the high grit begining sanding, like 40-80, then I use my rubber boot sanding block for 100-220 and then I use the spong sander thingies to finish up. They're cheap and they are VERY effective at finishing.
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Posted By: 93accordSE
Date Posted: September 08, 2004 at 9:00 PM
How long do these sponge sand blocks last?
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Posted By: bp_viper
Date Posted: September 08, 2004 at 11:41 PM
i have a ryobi like 4" orbital with variable speeds, good for different projects. and those "sponge" blocks are useful in different applications. you can get them in different grits which helps too. they last pretty long, pretty universal also, have used them for sheetrock, body work, f/g, etc. depending on how much needs too be sanded will point you to which tool to use. sometimes a grinder is helpful (VERY fast), there are also grinder->sander attachments, i got one but have yet to try it out. they are supposed to "flex" a better to conform to the project.
Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: September 09, 2004 at 12:16 AM
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
Posted By: PopcornPlaya
Date Posted: September 12, 2004 at 2:33 PM
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.
Posted By: 93accordSE
Date Posted: September 12, 2004 at 4:14 PM
I've never had anyone suggest a body file, i'm gonna have to find myself one. That would be an awesome tool.
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