Sandpaper

Tape Saves Sandpaper

January 6, 2016

While using my orbital sander, I was having difficulty keeping the sandpaper from ripping where it attaches under the wire clamps. I remedied the problem by putting a piece of…
Simple, Effective Sanding Block

November 7, 2013

One thing that comes with me to every job site is a simple block made for hand-sanding. I take a 2x4 and rip it to just less than 3 in.…
Tablesaw-switch refinement

November 6, 2007

The on/off switch on my tablesaw is the style with the on button recessed and the off button proud of the faceplate, but I still often find it hard to…
Make Your Own Sanding Block

July 16, 2007

You can go to the hardware store and buy a sanding block, but better yet, you can make your own with materials you already have
Save sanding discs, and dollars

December 1, 2006

The new random-orbit sanders are one step from fantastic, and the hook-and-loop discs that are available for the machines are equally wonderful because they can be reused. But hook-and-loop discs…
Finishing Hardwood Floors

March 1, 2002

A professional takes the fear out of sanding and shows how to get great results with waterborne finishes
Touching up coped joints

September 1, 1997

The drawing shows a trick that I teach my students for making perfect coped joints. We use water-based contact cement to glue a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper to a piece…
Variable sanding block

September 1, 1994

You don't need a belt sander to take advantage of a sanding belt. As shown in the drawing, I assemble a couple of 2x offcuts to create a sanding block…
The disposable strop

September 1, 1994

Carpet or drywall work is tough on utility-knife blades. Rather than go to the trouble and expense of replacing the knife blades, I touch them up with a couple of…
Pliable sanding blocks

July 1, 1994

Every now and then I need a sanding block for slightly curved surfaces. So I made my own palm sanders out of self-stick vinyl floor tiles. The tiles are typically…