Cork or foam sanding block

[groeneaj]

Which gives a better finish- cork or foam? Or cork for under say 320 and for the finer grades use foam ? Cheers Andy

[Claw Hama]

Hi Andy I have a timber block with leather on the bottom, seems to give the best result, plus you can get right up into the corners with it where as the cork corners always wear off and get rounded.

[groeneaj]

Thanks for your reply. So having a softer base provides a better finish than just wood or cork?

Andy

[Claw Hama]

The Cork and leather are both slightly flexible which alows the abrasive to be pushed into any curves or imperfections in the surface. The leather doesn't deform as much and wear away long term. I have cut the edges of the timber block back less than 90deg which allows the abrasive surface to be pushed right into the corners.