Using stir sticks to block sand

B

black88coupe

If the stir stick is not straight/ flat how well will it work? I'm assuming you are flattening the stick when you put pressure on it. I did some block sanding today and just made sure my fingers were spaced evenly apart and were applying even pressure across the backside of the stick. I used a stick that was pretty flat but it wasn't perfect. Seemed to work OK.
 
Anything used to block sand with regardless of material needs to be checked and corrected for straighness/flatness otherwise you'll be just chasing your tail.
 
I have a couple of paint sticks that I have used that are the thicker ones that are very straight. You'll get all kinds of opinions on this, but as Bob said it just needs to be straight. The ones I have used have yielded good results so I use them from time to time.

If you do do it the only thing I can recommend is to round all of the edges so that when you come to a stop you arent digging into the surface.
 
Thanks guys. I thought about making some out of varying lengths of plexi-glass.
 
Put it this way; if I see someone using a paint stick to block sand, I can be 99.9% sure they are a hack. Now if you take your own piece of hardwood or plexi and true it up on a piece of glass, that is something else entirely.
 
crashtech;41797 said:
Put it this way; if I see someone using a paint stick to block sand, I can be 99.9% sure they are a hack. Now if you take your own piece of hardwood or plexi and true it up on a piece of glass, that is something else entirely.
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LOL, thats kind of a harsh statement. I know for 100% I'm not a hack. But I found a thicker style paint stick that was perfect for some areas. To each their own I guess. Everyone has their own methods and as long as you reach the goal you desire then so be it.
 
I wouldnt recommend using one of the sticks that local jobber sends over ina box of 500.
 
I use the thick ones. Like the ones you get a lowes or home depot for stirring 5 gallon pails. I make sure they are true. Big difference. than those you get from the jobber that have splinters of wood flying off the sides. I cut them just long enough for the half sheets of paper. I round the edges.

The key is whatever you are using being true. You have to remember that thing is wood too...and you are using water. So always check. Seal it in some clear and sand the surfaces flat if you want.
 
jeremyb;41803 said:
I use the thick ones. Like the ones you get a lowes or home depot for stirring 5 gallon pails. I make sure they are true. Big difference.
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That's what I was going to look into possibly using.

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orangejuiced86;41800 said:
Everyone has their own methods and as long as you reach the goal you desire then so be it.
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Just trying different things to see what works.
 
i have a box full of custom made sticks and blocks :) i do a lot of custom wood so i have a lot of scraps left. walnut is really good. i also have a collection of cardboard tubes cut and sealed . go by any cabinet shop and they will likely give you a box full.
 
shine;41806 said:
go by any cabinet shop and they will likely give you a box full.
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Thanks. I keep checking the bins at the carpenter shop at work.
 
orangejuiced86;41800 said:
LOL, thats kind of a harsh statement. I know for 100% I'm not a hack. But I found a thicker style paint stick that was perfect for some areas. To each their own I guess. Everyone has their own methods and as long as you reach the goal you desire then so be it.
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Hey orange, you must be that 1 in a 1000! I didn't mean to throw you under the bus there, buddy! :D
 
I've built all of my own furniture so I have a pretty good stash of scraps to choose from and I true them on a piece of granite, also something that is quick and works on anything short of a show stopper is that I keep some extra dura block scruff blocks on hand and hack them up as needed
 
When you look at a car, lets say a Riddler winner, how do you think they block all those nooks and crannies? Certainly isn't by store bought blocks. And yes..those areas are blocked from filler work to sanding and polishing. Now..not all jobs are that, but you get the picture. Lol.

Whatever gets the job done that is true and flat. I have an assortment of blocks, steel rods, pvc pipe, aluminum stock etc etc...
 
I did forget to mention I also keep an assortment of hardwood dowel rod on hand for fillets.
 
I'm sure you are only limited by your imagination. Thanks guys.
 
yup, a block can be anything that gets the job done, and contour sanders the same-as long as the density or flexibility is right for the job
 
I use the 3m ones here, but I have used a paint stick a time or two.. But now that I got the 3m ones that is what I typically use.

I've seen people get bent out of shape over this discussion before. In the end let the vehicle be the judge.
 
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