I want to create the "Best Sanding Blocks Ever"

No way you could deflect mine like that with or without the rods. It is much too stiff. He must have made a change in his blocks at some point.

Now I understand why folks have a much different experience than mine with these blocks. Mine is much different. When did you buy that block?

Don
Roughly 15 years ago.
 
There are a ton of "Flexible Sanding Blocks" on the market; maybe a different slogan that highlights the benefits of your handle design would be good to differentiate your product from others? Communicating that your blocks are more comfortable to use than other poly/acrylic blocks and more precise than foam blocks will be critical to sell the idea to people who are shopping for blocks.

Or, what about trying to buy the AFS brand? You'd have instant brand recognition and could offer two lines of products; a "classic" block set like they used to make which would guarantee instant sales, and add your blocks as a "deluxe/modern/improved" version for those wanting even better blocks.
Appreciate the ideas. Still in the development and brainstorming phase. Nothing is set in stone yet.

As for buying the AFS brand, that just doesn't look possible. The inventor, John W. Wheeler, died in 2018 (very sad, only 49 years old) and the company died with him. It was based in Cottage Grove, MN and the filings with the Secretary of State has lapsed and there is no contact information.

And, I believe the capital that I put into the product/company will be best used for product development and marketing. I'm confident that I can;

-Develop and launch a high quality product
-Market it effectively

Having a lot of fun with it so far!
 
There are a ton of "Flexible Sanding Blocks" on the market; maybe a different slogan that highlights the benefits of your handle design would be good to differentiate your product from others? Communicating that your blocks are more comfortable to use than other poly/acrylic blocks and more precise than foam blocks will be critical to sell the idea to people who are shopping for blocks.

Or, what about trying to buy the AFS brand? You'd have instant brand recognition and could offer two lines of products; a "classic" block set like they used to make which would guarantee instant sales, and add your blocks as a "deluxe/modern/improved" version for those wanting even better blocks.
+1 on all of the above.
I will add that the logo is very nice but makes me think of Rocky Mountain mining products rather than sanding blocks. I hope I sound as constructive as I am trying to be. You are definitely on the right track and have my full support, encouragement, and admiration.

-----
Emil
 
Black Diamond is the brand name of coal slag blast media. Not sure if that’s a bad thing, just sayin…

Don
Yes. I've got 4 bags of the Red Strip sitting in my shop. Stuff works great.
The company that makes it is US Minerals, the product name is Black Diamond Abrasive Products.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office lists 550 companies and products that include the term "Black Diamond."
As long as mine is unique (which it will be) I'm good to go, the IP lawyer I'm working with has confirmed this.

The whole point of the name/logo are to create an impression, hopefully, of quality, durability etc.

Other details about the qualities of the product will be included on the website, in videos, and other marketing material.
 
I was finally able to pick up a load of it yesterday morning, it's been out of stock for awhile locally.

Of course it comes back in stock once the weather hits 100*...
When I picked up the Red Strip coal slag at TSC, they had a cool blasting hood for $25. I got that and it worked great.
No way I'd be putting that on in 100 degree heat though.
Summer just finally arrived here in the PNW, a balmy 75 :)
 
When I picked up the Red Strip coal slag at TSC, they had a cool blasting hood for $25. I got that and it worked great.
No way I'd be putting that on in 100 degree heat though.
Summer just finally arrived here in the PNW, a balmy 75 :)

What is TSC?.....I'd like to look at that cooling blasting hood you purchased.
 
I think it’s a cool blasting hood, not a cooling blasting hood. I’d buy one if it was… :)
Yes, Tractor Supply Company. And the hood is "cool" in that it works well and is reasonably priced. Even has a mesh screen over the lens so it doesn't get scratched/pitted by the media.
But it is not "cooling."
Yesterday I was doing some blasting and it was 90 degrees out.
I was definitely "giving up some water" and had to stop every 5-10 minutes to take the hood off and cool down a bit.

Went at it again today in 65 degrees and could rock on without stopping.
 
Update on the Sanding Blocks:

  • Utility patent application has been submitted and I now have "Patent Pending" status. My design is protected.
  • First prototype has been created and it has been shipped to me. Should have it in my hands very soon. C'mon FedEx, get it here . . .
So now I can share some details.
You will notice that it shares a lot with the AFS blocks. I am incorporating the steel tensioning rods to adjust the flexibility of the block and reduce the need to have multiple blocks of the same length with varying flexibility.
*The patent attorney that I am working with is confident that my design has enough differences from the AFS blocks to be granted a utility patent.

What I show below is a 16 inch version of the block. I plan to initially offer it in 8", 16" and 24" versions, and then expand beyond that if the initial product is successful.

Here is a 3D photo rendering of the design:

6-9-22 3D rendering.JPG


Here is a 30 second video rendering of the design:


And, here is a picture of the actual prototype. Notice that the polycarbonate base is not adhered yet. I will do that when I receive it.

Protype Picture Two 6-30-22.jpg


Next step is to get the prototype in hand and do some testing. Big question will be if the material we've chosen initially will be both flexible and durable enough. We'll see. I'll post some videos of the testing.

After the design is locked down, I will setup the crowdfunding process that I talked about.

Very exciting to see my idea coming to life!

I value your feedback. What do you think? There is still time to make changes . . .
 
Looks good, I like it. What are you going to use to attach the base, glue? I think the metal plate on the AFS was molded in, and was never a problem once the rubber was trimmed away.
Thanks. The AFS blocks had adhesive, at least that was listed in the patent.

I'm working with a 3M product engineer to find the best adhesive.

Another option being explored is "co-molding" the 2 parts together. They would be joined when they haven't cured, basically melt them together.
 
My AFS blocks are roughly 17 years old. Been a fantastic tool. The rods get loose over time and fall out. I wrap the rods with a little electrical tape to tighten them back up. I've never worn one out or ran into problems with them not cutting. My 36" one has a heavy aluminum base instead of the spring steel.
 
Back
Top