Shop Sanding Cabinet With Sanding Blocks!
by makewithjake in Workshop > Woodworking
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Shop Sanding Cabinet With Sanding Blocks!
As the most unorganized engineer I have ever met, I tend to just toss things into a box, or on a horizontal surface, and then complain about my messy workspace. This project is meant to solve at least one of those messy areas: my sandpaper pit! With super simple construction, this sandpaper organizer cabinet is definitly going to come in handy.
Also, before we move on, I actually did this project as sort of a friendly contest with my friend, Josh Graff. He made is own version of the sandpaper cabinet...I'll put a link to it at the end - you are definitely going to want to check it out!
Let's roll!
Build plans are now available! Check them out here: https://makewithjake.gumroad.com/l/qWofK
Supplies
As with any project, here are some handy dandy supplies you *might* need. Most of the links in this Instructables will be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission, but doesn't cost you anything.
Materials
Tools
- Woodworkers Notebook (for sketches and handy reference formulas)
- Edge banding trimmer (this thing is AWESOME!)
- Brad nail gun
- Roller
- A shop full of expensive woodworking tools (not required)
Quick Tip: This project is simple enough that you could have most of the pieces cut at your local home center for free!
Cutting the Box Parts
After sketching out my idea for the sand paper storage unit in my Woodworkers Notebook, I broke down all my plywood pieces on the table saw and with my table saw sled.
I used my table saw sled to cut the slots for my dividers as well. Depending on which blade you are using, you may need to take two passes to get the slots wide enough for the dividers to fit!
Quick Tip: Use sticky notes to keep track of the different pieces and parts!
Edge Banding
I really wanted this project to look nicer than average shop furniture. So, I decided to use some edge banding to clean up the edges of the plywood! Edge banding is really easy to apply, but I am really super happy with this handy dandy edge banding trimmer tool from Fast Cap. I can't believe that I didnt pick up one of these things sooner...
Assembly, Round 1!
With the edge banding all trimmed, I started assembly! This is a pretty lightweight project, so glue and nails will be plenty strong. I highly recommend double check your stick notes to make sure that you dont assembly the box wrong. because it would be a big bummer if you had to take it all apart and start over....
Take It Apart and Start Over
Since I assembled the box wrong, I had to hammer the box apart and start over.
Assembly, Round 2!
Now that I was paying attention, I assembled the box CORRECTLY. Again, using glue and brad nails. #mistakesweremade
Before we move on, I feel that it's worth mentioning that mistakes happen. I don't care what Instagram says, those famous woodworkers mess up all the time. So, if you ever mess up a project, just remember, we are all human and stuff happens. Keep at it!
Paint
I wanted a fancy wood and black look on this project, so I started off my giving the edges of the plywood a good coating of clear polyurathane. Then I tapped off the edges, and sprayed the outside of the box with black spray paint. I really like this look, and it is something I have been trying to do to all my shop furniture.
It's the little touches that elevate a project to the next level, am I right?
Making the Sanding Blocks
These sanding blocks are the coolest. They are super easy to make, the sandpaper holds in them really well, and....I guess that's it. I just am super happy with how they turned out.
The dimensions of the sanding block are really important, so you may need to experiment a few times getting it just right.
Width of the block: 2.5 inches
Width of the groove: 1.5 inches
Depth of the groove: 1/4" inch
This works out perfect for fitting 1/4 sheets of standard sandpaper
Setting Up the Sandpaper Block
To assembly the block, cut a sheet of sandpaper into quarters, and then wrap the sand paper around the block. You may need to mark and crease the corners to get a perfect fit.
Once you roll over the edges of the sandpaper into the groove of the block, press in a piece of plywood into the groove to hold the sandpaper in place.
Finally, add a small screw to the center of the block for a magnetic storage solution!
Dividers
Once the paint dried, I removed my masking tape and installed magnets on the side of the box. This is a great way to store the sandpaper blocks from the previous step!
Last, but not least! I made some dividers that would fit the dados (grooves) in the box, just to keep everything extra organized!
Done!
All that was left to do was to fill up my fancy pants sanding storage organizer with some sandpaper! Woohoo!
I am really happy with how this project turned out. It was really easy to make (even with my mistakes) and will help keep my sandpaper organized and out of the way. My favorite thing about the sand paper organizer is my custom sand paper blocks. These sanding blocks turned out really well and I use them all the time!
Be sure to check out my full build video over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wLmhDpUM1w
Also, my friend Josh Graff build a sandpaper storage unit as well, so definitely check that out!
Build plans are now available! Check them out here: https://makewithjake.gumroad.com/l/qWofK
Thank you for reading!
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