Sanding block (25mm and 70mm wide)

thingiverse

Sanding blocks typically come with five major flaws. This design attempts to rectify them by keeping things simple. I downloaded a few models, but was disappointed that they required me to fiddle with hand screws and carefully place paper in the block, pinching it together (1st flaw: Design slow to use). It's well-known that you need to replace paper frequently. Another issue I encountered was sharp edges on most models, usually 90 degrees or more, which easily break the paper during actual use (2nd flaw: No heavy usage possible/much paper loss). Most designs also used a lot of plastic and were time-consuming to print (3rd flaw: Material and time usage). Furthermore, I couldn't find any model that was even remotely ergonomic to use (4th flaw). The "bow" in this design acts as a natural curve to make handling easier. Given my disappointment with most models, I decided to create a more sensible approach that avoids over-engineering. This design tries to fix the five common flaws seen in sanding block designs. I based it on my computer's mouse and aimed to avoid the errors mentioned earlier. The design features a simple base and a "bow" that you pinch the paper into place. Applying slight pressure while sanding pinches the paper tighter. I also added some radius to parts to prevent tearing of paper (5th flaw). Another criterion was that it would be nice to sand some very dome-shaped arcs, which this model allows in a small extent because if the base flexes, the bow part will compensate. I added a marker in the base plate to make cutting sanding paper more suitable. This was another criterion I was annoyed by in most models - the paper needed to be within a 1cm tolerance. In this model, the length marked is minimal, and it doesn't matter too much if you cut the paper into a longer length. All-in-all, this is still a work in progress or more precisely said, my first take on this model. It seems to work decently enough to share the design. I likely will soon add models with more "pointy" heads for hard-to-reach spaces and wider models for bigger surfaces, improvement of tolerances. Also, I'll likely improve the model to allow sanding in slight sideways movement too. Anyway, there it is, the initial mode of 25mm wide block. Try and tell me what you think about it. *edit2* Now with slightly altered 70mm wide block also. Sorry no pictures, but works at least same as narrower block. Triangulated base plate for lesser material usage and also thought in mind that special abrasive products such as Mirka Abranet materials could be used more efficiently, though I'll likely alter triangle shape layout to more better in future* *edit3* Designed more ergonomic and stiffer bow for 70mm wide body. NOTE: I HAVE NOT TESTED THIS MYSELF!