I want to create the "Best Sanding Blocks Ever"

I finally got to use the "Dean" blocks today. I have no point of reference since I have never used anything other than the old Bonfo 4" block with the teeth. I only used the 16" block (I have all 3 sizes) to knock down the dry spray and to get a feel for the block.

I LOVE IT!!!
It feels good in my hands, the mass keeps it on target, the flex is excellent, and it cuts through 3-day-old epoxy with ease using Dura-Gold 80#. If my car didn't have more compound curves than Jane Russell, I could probably get away with only using these blocks.

Thanks for a great product, Dean.
-----
Emil
 
I finally got to use the "Dean" blocks today. I have no point of reference since I have never used anything other than the old Bonfo 4" block with the teeth. I only used the 16" block (I have all 3 sizes) to knock down the dry spray and to get a feel for the block.

I LOVE IT!!!
It feels good in my hands, the mass keeps it on target, the flex is excellent, and it cuts through 3-day-old epoxy with ease using Dura-Gold 80#. If my car didn't have more compound curves than Jane Russell, I could probably get away with only using these blocks.

Thanks for a great product, Dean.
-----
Emil
Photos of reference material?
 
actress-jane-russell-bettmann.jpg
 
Kinda hitting the limits of my abilities with this venture. I designed it, got the patent, got it into production and the customer feedback has been nothing short of amazing.
I believe this product has much more potential, particularly with large scale distribution deals.
But, I'm probably not the guy to make that happen

So, kicking the tires on a sale of the business. Interested? PM me and lets talk.
 
Kinda hitting the limits of my abilities with this venture. I designed it, got the patent, got it into production and the customer feedback has been nothing short of amazing.
I believe this product has much more potential, particularly with large scale distribution deals.
But, I'm probably not the guy to make that happen

So, kicking the tires on a sale of the business. Interested? PM me and lets talk.
Wow!!! Awesome work Dean!! Your time and effort is paying off dearly..Thats amazing
 
Tech tip for Black Diamond (and any other polycarbonate base blocks.) Do not use any product that contains:
tetrahydrofuran, methyl acetate, or toluene to clean sandpaper sticky residue off the block.

Polycarbonate is strong, amazing stuff and resistant to many chemicals, but those listed will destroy it.

Just had a customer reach out to me and ask why the polycarbonate base was deteriorating. It alarmed me and I had him ship me back the blocks (I sent him replacements at no cost.) Further investigation revealed that he was using "Grow Automotive 1501 Premium Wash Thinner" to clean the base. That is actually not "thinner" at all, but a chemical cleaner, a very strong one at that.

Here is the chemical breakdown, along with each elements effect on polycarbonate:

Grow Automotive 1501 chemicals.JPG


In the information sheet I provide with the blocks, I do state that toluene is to be avoided, but there are others and I will update the TDS.

The best thing to use to clean residue off is SPI 710 Solvent Wax and Grease remover.
Or a 50/50 mixture of Isopropyl Alcohol and Lacquer Thinner.
Adhesive removers like "Goo Gone," work as well.

If you are using sandpaper that leaves a lot of residue, another tip is to put clear packing tape (like Scotch Heavy Duty Packing Tape) on the base. The tape doesn't affect the performance of the blocks and the residue doesn't accumulate on it like it can on the polycarbonate.
 
Im going to have to give the blocks another try. I bought them during the original presale, and tried them out on my last big all-over project. I like the idea and the build quality of the blocks (and supporting small business). But when it came time to use them, I tried them for a while and went right back to the old durablocks. Its been a year since I put the black diamond blocks back in the toolbox and they havent been used on any other project since. Going to have to give it another go.
 
I heard someone mention that SPI was sending out Koozies with some shipments.
Didn't want to be left out, so I ordered some for Black Diamond.
Free to the first 100 customers who ask. If they are popular, I'll order more.
If you've ordered blocks from me you should have received an email with details.
If you didn't get the email, PM me and I'll hook you up.

Koozie double.png
 
Thanks Dean for your welcoming comments on my initial post yesterday. I was intrigued with your blocks and perhaps a bit late to the party, I just checked out your website...its great!! Like the inclusion of U-tube demo etc. I am very interested, as my current project is a 1960 Catalina and as you can see there are some unique curves and contours on the quarters / doors and it looks like these diamond blocks could help. I won't be at the blocking stage until next year, but find the durablocks I have now don't mold evenly (maybe its me..) End up getting too much pressure on the two ends and not as much in the middle. With the rods removed, would your blocks fit panels like this better?
 

Attachments

  • Catalina in epoxy.jpg
    Catalina in epoxy.jpg
    136.6 KB · Views: 39
Thanks Dean for your welcoming comments on my initial post yesterday. I was intrigued with your blocks and perhaps a bit late to the party, I just checked out your website...its great!! Like the inclusion of U-tube demo etc. I am very interested, as my current project is a 1960 Catalina and as you can see there are some unique curves and contours on the quarters / doors and it looks like these diamond blocks could help. I won't be at the blocking stage until next year, but find the durablocks I have now don't mold evenly (maybe its me..) End up getting too much pressure on the two ends and not as much in the middle. With the rods removed, would your blocks fit panels like this better?
Durablocks won't bend much at all, they really aren't designed to. Not trying to bash them, they have their place for sure.
Those are some unique curves on that Catalina. I don't think any block will curve over those tail light "tubes," but they would work really well for cross hatching over them lengthwise, if that makes sense.
The Black Diamond Blocks flex quite a bit, they can be bent into almost a full U shape without too much pressure.

BD bend.JPG


Here is a still shot of me blocking a VW Bug front fender with them, with the rods out and almost no downward force.

BD on VW.JPG


Hope that helps!
 
Back
Top