Replies

1. 
   TimLawson1 | Jun 02, 2002 05:46pm | #1

   Not sure I have a definitive answer for you but I strongly suspect there is a diference in the resilience between cork and rubber. I suspect it will deform less. I chose to use cork blocks after attending the a course at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship and it was what they recommended.

   A good  source for cork blocks is http://www.thecorkstore.com/

   Good luck

   Tim

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Jun 02, 2002 07:47pm | #2

   Depends on the hardness of the rubber. Hard rubber will work as well as cork.

   Even better is using a stiff felt if you can find an old fedora of your father's. They are tough to find. I have an old cowboy hat that has a number of cutouts in the brim. Make up a block of wood slightly smaller than the size of a 1/4 sheet of sandpaper (you want to be able to fold up two opposite sandpaper edges onto the edge of the sanding block to hold it with your fingers). Apply a coat of white or yellow glue on the bottom and press it onto the felt (or cork for that matter). Clamp it and let it dry then trim off the excess. Make one for a 1/8 sheet size for getting into the tight spots. Apply felt around a couple of different sized dowels so you can sand inside curves.

1. 
   onthepequod | Jun 03, 2002 11:29pm | #3

   If you don’t mind spending a little money for a felt-bottom sanding block, I would recommend the one from Lee Valley. It has a very nice weight to it (it’s made of Hard Maple), it fits the hand comfortably, and is designed to make sure your sandpaper is taught and held firmly in place. It is one of the best investments in my shop (and I hate to sand).

3. 
   DonC | Jun 04, 2002 07:04pm | #4

   Cork is a no-slip material. Rulers and yardsticks designed for use with an X-Acto or utility knife will have cork on the bottom of the straightedge to prevent slipping. For the same reason, it holds the sandpaper without alot of hand pressure while sanding. It's easy to switch grits when using a cork block. Rubber ones sometimes have a "fussy" way to attach the paper. With cork you just wrap,hold,and sand.

   Don

1. 
   cuttoff | Jun 04, 2002 07:14pm | #5

   Good point.. You can make a simple wooden block and glue the cork to it. The cork can be purchased at most do it yourself autoparts stores. It is commonly used as gasket material and is sold in a roled up sheet form of varying thicknesses. Expressions Fine Wood Working and Cabinetry..A division of Schefer Engineering Inc., Santa Rosa, Ca.

1. 
   DonC | Jun 04, 2002 09:21pm | #6

   Garret Wade sells the cork in blocks too.

   Don