Block sanding tips wanted

C

cjetmech

I just welded in some patch panels on the bed of my truck and now I'm starting to apply the filler. I've never done this kind of work before and I was hoping someone could give me some tips on blocking out the filler or the whole bed for that matter. But with the filler it seems like i'm sanding it too much and having to go back and add more then repeat. I'm using a durablock with 80 dry in an x type pattern where I can. Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks
 
80 grit and and the X pattern sound good. I am not crazy about durablocks. How long is the one you are using? Is the paper laying flat on it? When I try to flex my durablock, the paper wrinkles due to compression of the durablock foam. How hard are you pushing on the block? If the panel flexes at all due to sanding pressure, you will not have good results. If you can, post some pictures, so we can get a better idea of how to help.
 
on large panels like the bed of a truck i like to use a 16" or 24" durablock. i apply the filler way beyond the the patch, sometimes being a very large area. knock down the filler with 80 grit, switch to 120 and sand a little, then apply a guide coat and sand a more to see where i have low spots. a straight edge, eye down the panel, and good lighting help me determine how good i'm doin. it usually takes me a few coats of filler and even then after primer i may be doin some more work on the area. but it all pays off in the end.
 
Part of the learning experience is to put it on, and sand it off over again many times, so you are right where everyone else was at one time or another. In addition to the good advice above, learn how to feel the contours with your hand. Looking at and feeling the opposite side from the one you are working will help you achieve the proper contour.
 
What kind of truck? year? post up a pic if you can. Some styles have a lot more contour areas than others. When you're blocking a panel you always want to tune the largest shapes first then blend in the detail areas. An x pattern is the basic rule but some straight line sanding to establish your line of sight straightness first sometimes helps to get it shaped properly faster-then switch to an x pattern.
 
Sorry it took so long to reply guys (kids!) but thanks for all the replies. I cant get the pic to post but, its a 95 F150 with the usual rot around the wheelwells. This is really the first patch panel i've ever welded in. I took on this project to get some experience before I tackle my other car. So having never done this before I have no clue what I'm doin. And it seems like I dont know when to stop sanding, I'll take it down too much then have to apply more filler and start over. I was just looking for some general guidelines to follow when blocking filler or the body in general and i'll try what has been mentioned. BTW I'm using a 10" or 4" block. I use the largest that I can given the area. 100_0561.jpg

100_0560.jpg
 
Find something to use as a straightedge, check for highs and lows by using the straight edge and report back what you see. In some areas it looks as though the patch is high, the filler is definately low where the grit isn't making contact. You always want to apply your filler out farther than what the damage area appears then sand off the filler that isn't needed.
 
Like Bob said, it looks like you have a couple high spots. You should be able to feel them with your hands. Try wearing jersey gloves or putting a rag over your hand when you feel the panel. This makes your hand ignore texture and pick up the slightest change in contour. You will probably need a more flexable block for down near that wheel opening. Maybe the durablock round or or the thin square one. When I said that I dont like durablocks, I was referring to the long boards. AFS long blocks are hard to beat IMO.
 
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