Locking Sanding Block

**Robert Tutsky** · Jan 1, 2013, 09:58 AM

I have come up with a bench top version of a sanding block that I call the Locking Sanding Block. I say “locking” because the way it’s designed the sandpaper is locked into position and won’t come loose, it stays taught even after a long period of sanding. (Click on image to enlarge pics).

Locking Sanding Block-sanding_block_assembled.jpg

It is built using baltic birch and walnut. The size of the block takes advantage of a 9″ x 12″ sheet of sandpaper with three strips of approximately 3″ W x 7″ L of sanding surface. Even though it’s simply a rectangle block it feels comfortable in your hand during a sanding session.

Sanding block showing locking pins installed into the upper block half.

Locking Sanding Block-sanding_block_apart.jpg

Showing all of the parts of the Locking Sanding Block you can see how simple it would be to change different sandpaper grits or replace a worn sandpaper with a fresh one. I have labeled each sanding block with the grit installed for quick reference.

Locking Sanding Block-sanding_block_various_grits.jpg

I have put together free plans for making one of these sanding blocks here: www.bit.ly/Z9SaoC

**Tap** · Jan 1, 2013, 02:01 PM

Robert, that is a nice set of sanding blocks, 100% better than what I use,,a chunk of 2x4..as soon as I get caught up on some things I'm going to build myself a set.

You Do Good Work...

Tap

**Jon** · Jan 2, 2013, 12:59 PM

Thanks Robert -- this one's been added to our Sanding category, and to your homemade tools page: Robert Tutsky's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Locking Sanding Blocks by Robert Tutsky

tags: sanding block

**Robert Tutsky** · Apr 19, 2013, 06:20 AM

Originally Posted by Tap

Robert, that is a nice set of sanding blocks, 100% better than what I use,,a chunk of 2x4..as soon as I get caught up on some things I'm going to build myself a set.

You Do Good Work...

Tap

Thanks for the kind remarks. Making a set of 3 or more requires only a bit more time than it would to make just one. I find that for me though 3 of them works well for the grit progression I usually use.