I want to create the "Best Sanding Blocks Ever"

Lizer said:
I really like how flexible the long one is. The short one is barely flexible so if I were to change anything it would have been to make that one a little more flexible.

I’m definitely looking forward to using them. I will have five mentees helping me with a truck this summer. They have their own projects awaiting and of course will introduce them to the blocks too. I’m thinking about making an episode for them on my YouTube channel too (a “review” so to speak).
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Interesting comment on the short block. I'm gathering all feedback like this for future revisions and products.

A review on your YouTube channel would be great! Please post a link when it is up.
 
Some additional feedback...the packaging has a premium look and feel to it. I know this was by design and for that reason, I'll probably want to keep the box around to store the blocks and rods in. And the box is white with black print, which has a simple, elegant and premium look to it. It would look great if it sat in my kitchen; the problem is it will sit in my shop and a pretty white box will look terrible within 1 week. So a darker color for the box would provide a nice aesthetic touch in that it wouldn't show dirt, but that probably costs more money too.

My durablocks came in a box with a glossy smooth surface and some insane scary ass clown on it (what that has to do with blocking I have no idea), but the box still looks fine after many years because it doesn't show dirt and doesn't absorb stuff well. And well, I want my nice things to stay looking nice!

Personally I think a glossy black box with a matte or satin black "Black Diamond" (or vice versa) would look super cool. Kind of like Muse did on their Black Holes and Revelations CD art.

It would also be a nice touch if you had a personalized letter in every order like you did for us. You don't see that in business anymore, but it sure would make a customer feel special.

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'68 Coronet R/T said:
Do you have an instructional video for using those rods?
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I can easily make one. Anything in particular you'd like to know?

Here is a tip: When the blocks are new, the rods will be a little hard to insert and remove. The blocks will relax with a little time and use and it will get easier. Meanwhile, twist them back and forth while inserting/removing. It helps alot.
 
Dean Jenkins said:
I can easily make one. Anything in particular you'd like to know?

Here is a tip: When the blocks are new, the rods will be a little hard to insert and remove. The blocks will relax with a little time and use and it will get easier. Meanwhile, twist them back and forth while inserting/removing. It helps alot.
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You have three rods for each block.
When would you insert them? What is the benefit of using them? Can you add one at a time or should all three be used?
 
'68 Coronet R/T said:
You have three rods for each block.
When would you insert them? What is the benefit of using them? Can you add one at a time or should all three be used?
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They will change the stiffness/rigidity of the actual block. So if you are sanding a long flat panel you would want them in, curved panels that you want a slight bend to the block you can remove them as necessary.
 
Finally home and remembered to open the UPS package. Wow these are like works of art. I love the way they feel and it seems like they will very easy on the hands.

Dean I picked at the polycarbonate and the backing material and see it is not moulded together. How is the polycarbonate adhered to the soft material? Is that something that after lots of use and water and contamination works it way in there we can rebound?

Thanks again. Can’t wait to actually try them.
 
JimKueneman said:
Finally home and remembered to open the UPS package. Wow these are like works of art. I love the way they feel and it seems like they will very easy on the hands.

Dean I picked at the polycarbonate and the backing material and see it is not moulded together. How is the polycarbonate adhered to the soft material? Is that something that after lots of use and water and contamination works it way in there we can rebound?

Thanks again. Can’t wait to actually try them.
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Glad to hear your first impression was good! Looking forward to hearing how they work for you, and to seeing laser flat sides on the A100 :)

Because the rubber handle is a complex shape and has the holes for the rods, it cannot be simply injection molded and over moulded with the base.
The base is adhered with a 3M industrial double sided tape (think how well newer automotive trim and emblems are adhered with similar material) and the edges are glued with a rubber infused cyanoacrylate adhesive.
The factory is also testing another 3M product that will eliminate the need for the edge glue.

The adhesion is very robust and should last a very long time, even with rigorous use.
And I stand by these with a full, no questions asked, warranty.
 
JimKueneman said:
Finally home and remembered to open the UPS package. Wow these are like works of art. I love the way they feel and it seems like they will very easy on the hands.

Dean I picked at the polycarbonate and the backing material and see it is not moulded together. How is the polycarbonate adhered to the soft material? Is that something that after lots of use and water and contamination works it way in there we can rebound?

Thanks again. Can’t wait to actually try them.
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I agree wholeheartedly. Loved the feel and flexibility.
They will be getting a work out in few days, as soon as I get back from motorcycle ride next week. :)
 
Very nice! I don’t want to get them dusty!

I love the personalized letter, that was very nice. My first impression of the packaging with the stickers was much nicer than I expected. So far I think you have a home-run.

I like the heavy, dense feel. The varying flexibility is what I desired the most.

I’m going to see if I can give it a try in the next day or 2.
 
got mine today they are super comfortable. a little on the heavy side though i look forward to using them. im used to using plexi blocks without handles. i tried some linaer blocks these are alot more comfortable than those and like the adjustability like the old afs had. looking foward to using them
 
Received mine today. My hands and wrists are trashed from being a mechanic for years, these feel great for me to hold on to and I like being able to store them right in the box they came in when not in use. I’m not quite ready for them yet but can’t wait to try them. The only thing I noticed is that on the smaller block, the polycarbonate was separating on the edge. It stuck back down but can be peeled back up pretty easily.
 

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EricB said:
Received mine today. My hands and wrists are trashed from being a mechanic for years, these feel great for me to hold on to and I like being able to store them right in the box they came in when not in use. I’m not quite ready for them yet but can’t wait to try them. The only thing I noticed is that on the smaller block, the polycarbonate was separating on the edge. It stuck back down but can be peeled back up pretty easily.
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That edge must not have been glued properly. Dang it! I inspected every single on before shipping, but it must've been stuck then but pulled loose during shipping etc. Sorry about that!
Please PM or email me your name and email address and I will ship a replacement right away.

Glad they feel great and you will have another to use before you are ready!
 
Well there you go. Sometimes things don’t always come out perfect, but when dealing with a top notch company like Black Diamond, the service after the sale speaks volumes. Just received shipping notice and tracking info for a new set of blocks being shipped to me. Outstanding!
Thanks Dean!
 
Got mine monday, and after inspecting and checking them out, my first impression is
THANK YOU DEAN for the great deal you gave us on the "Best sanding blocks ever"

One improvement I made on mine was to smooth the edge of the rod end that goes in the rubber. The manufacturer made an attempt to do that, but still left a somewhat sharp edge. I'm thinking that if the rods go in easier over time, I don't want it to be because of making the hole larger due to the rod scraping rubber away. Placeing the block on a flat surface when inserting the rods helps a lot. A rounded point on the end would be a suggestion for the manufacturer.
 
I received the blocks yesterday. First impressions. They look great, feel comfortable and the packaging was really nice. I like having a place to store them instead of just a drawer. They are a little heavier than I expected, but that will probably work out when blocking horizontal surfaces as you will just be able to guide the block and let the natural weight do the work.

My collection of blocks range from durablocks, linear blocks, AFS and a collection of homemade blocks, so I'd like to think I'll be able to give an honest assessment of these once in use. I don't generally over think this stuff so honestly I cant see why they wont be great.

Again, very impressed with the follow through on this project, and I am very happy that I was able to get in on the pre-sale! Thank you again Dean.
 
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