HSK 80 x 130 Hand Sanding Block and hoses

[semenza]

I purchased the HSK 80 x 130 Hand Sanding Block (496962) thinking that a block with DC could be handy even around the shop. I have become so accustomed to not having dust in the air when sanding that I now even notice it from small hand sanding jobs. Even from just cleaning up board edges. The 80 x 130 seemed like the size to get since it is about the size of most traditional blocks. It also uses the same abrasive sheets as the LS130 (which I already had) and the RTS400.

I also got two different hoses to use with it. One Anti - Static (456745) and one Non- AS (495019).

The block is a nice size with a well shaped grip.  

In some ways this review is more about the hoses than the sanding block. Suffice to say that the block sands as it should  [smile]

[attachimg=#]           [attachimg=#]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This picture shows the D27 , D22 AS, and D21.5 (D22) non-AS hoses side by side. The block can be used with any of these.  There is a significant difference in outside diameter of the D27 and the D21.5 as can be seen in these pictures.

[attachimg=#]

[attachimg=#]          [attachimg=#]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The non-AS 21.5 can be attached directly to the sanding block air control fitting as shown in the first picture above.

The D27 and D22 use a rubber downsizing adapter to allow the regular hose connection to fit the block port.  The AS D22 could be attached directly but the fitting is loose  in the hose and would need to be built up with a couple wraps of tape.

[attachimg=#]      [attachimg=#]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The best hose to use  with the block is the D21.5 non-AS. It is really light weight and super flexible. It hardly was a hindrance at all.  The following two  pictures are to show the flexibility. One thing to note is that this hose does not come with any tool end connector. The connector comes with the sanding block, and has a suction let off built in. I found that it worked well about half way open with the vac (CT33) set to  about 2/3 power. This hose is very light weight and thin walled is obviously intended for use with the sanding blocks.  I would not expect it to hold up well to a lot of abuse such as crushing or being folded into a crease / kink. I am not going to test its durability to the breaking point. It should be fine for its intended use.

[attachimg=#]     [attachimg=#]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The D27 is OK in a pinch but quite clunky with the regular hose connector, not real flexible  and really too heavy.

[attachimg=#]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The D22 AS is just about as clunky and heavy feeling on the block. It is a little more flexible. This is an interesting hose in that at the vac end it starts out as a D27 and gradually tapers to the D22 at the tool end. I actually think this might be a good hose to use with jig saws.

[attachimg=#]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Here are a couple in use shots. It was nice to be able to give a light hand sanding between coats of laquer on this piece without  having laquer dust in the air.

[attachimg=#]      [attachimg=#]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It can also be used very nicely with interface pads for roundovers and such.

[attachimg=#]

Seth

 

[Stephen B]

I purchased this mainly for touching up some drywall plaster external angles on our owner build, once the plasterer and I had finished the overall sanding. It has worked well for this, although I agree the larger diameter hose is restrictive.

I have found that the vacuum  should be turned right down and the gate on the connector left open to prevent the pad being sucked too much down on the work.

I am yet to use it on wood, but Seth's review offers new horizons to all who want to sand by hand dust free.

 

[Bikeboy80]

I love my hand sanding block [smile] I was using it this week to sand putty marks on new installed baseboard before paint.

You're right it works with the larger hose but it does take a bit of moving around to position the hose.

Where did you pick up the 21.5 hose?

 

[junk731]

Good review Seth. My son and I have been using the Mirka version of the sanding pad for 2 years now. The son has done a lot of drywall with the block and found it to remove the dust very effectively. I have 2 with different grits that I use all the time in the shop. You would be surprised how well the hoses hold up over time. The vacuum adjustment valve on the Festool block is a nice touch. Might have to buy another block to get the valve.

John

 

[semenza]

The vac / suction setting I used worked for what I was sanding but I am sure it would have been too much on larger flat surfaces.

Seth

 

[polarsea1]

Thanks for the Review Seth, I didn't even know such a thing existed. Looks ideal for hand sanding primer, clears, etc.

Bill

 

[semenza]

On second thought the hose is 5 meters long I can spare a few inches to test it to the breaking point.

Folded over tightly and worked back and forth a few times.       :        After  .............

[attachimg=#]               [attachimg=#]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After being ground on the concrete under my work boot heel.  

[attachimg=#]           [attachimg=#]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

That's a K-Body as tight as could crank it.    [blink]                      After...........................
Then worked back and forth about 20 times to see if it would crack.

[attachimg=#]          [attachimg=#]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And  lets get serious.      [eek]                   After ...........................

[attachimg=#]         [attachimg=#]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little worse for wear but it never ended up with any holes , and I was able to squeeze it back to round  and use it.  Nothing scientific here but it turns out that the hose can take some abuse after all. [thumbs up]

Seth

 

[Kev]

Were you tempted to get the kit of four blocks? Works out so much cheaper and they're on special down under.

 

[leakyroof]

Were you tempted to get the kit of four blocks? Works out so much cheaper and they're on special down under.

  That 'kit' is how we here in the USA saw the blocks for years when they were NAINA. [sad]
For my purposes, I don't have a need for the long and narrow sanding blocks that are available and part of that kit. I'm much like Seth in that I bought the smaller block, and I already own that size abrasive for the RTS400 and LS130 sanders.
I also bought the RS2 sized block for larger work, but fully expect that the small block will be my most used out of the two.

 

[semenza]

Were you tempted to get the kit of four blocks? Works out so much cheaper and they're on special down under.

I don't think the kit is available here. I probably would have passed anyway. I don't for see using anything but the small one. I  But I would buy others if the need arises.  Most likely the 115 x 226 would be next. Just depends what you do and how much you like hand sanding.

Seth

 

[tbellemare]

There are four of them sold here but I'm not aware of any kits.

One uses the same paper as the  LS 130 or RTS 400, one uses the same paper as the RS 2, and the two others use special-sized paper. It is 80mm x 400mm with perforations to make it into two sheets that are each 80mm x 200mm.

Tom

 

[fdengel]

Interesting that a search on festoolusa.com using the part number gets no results.

 

[Kev]

There are four of them sold here but I'm not aware of any kits.

One uses the same paper as the  LS 130 or RTS 400, one uses the same paper as the RS 2, and the two others use special-sized paper. It is 80mm x 400mm with perforations to make it into two sheets that are each 80mm x 200mm.

Tom

Maybe I should have set "set" instead of "kit". In Oz we can get all four for $AUD350 at the moment.

 

[Guilliaume woodworks]

Seth,  great review especially the hose durability test. I'm alittle shocked you haven't made block sander and hose /accessories  fit neatly into systainer. What size sys would it all fit into?

 

[semenza]

Seth,  great review especially the hose durability test. I'm alittle shocked you haven't made block sander and hose /accessories  fit neatly into systainer. What size sys would it all fit into?

Well hey now, look at that. A Sys- II holds the 5m hose perfectly  [big grin]

I may not keep it in a Systainer. I want this to be handy so it will probably be kept hanging near the vac , ready to use.

[attachimg=#]

And the attic  compartments will hold the 80 x 130 abrasives just right  [cool]

[attachimg=#]      [attachimg=#]

Seth

 

[festnoob]

Awesome review...will have to buy a the d21.5 non-a and block...and maybe a sys2...and some ls130 pads....and my wife is hating this forum. [scared]

 

[greg mann]

Seth,

I am still a little concerned about the durability of that D22 hose. Do you suppose you could test it with a blowtorch for me?

 

[semenza]

Seth,

I am still a little concerned about the durability of that D22 hose. Do you suppose you could test it with a blowtorch for me?

Yah, pretty sure it will melt.    [scratch chin]

But seriously I am surprised that it took that much abuse without cracking or getting a hole.  Because it is very thin and light weight.

Seth

 

[richk]

That systainer looks like a SYS 2 with Attic  497852. Is that right?

As best I can tell, that is a discontinued item. Does any vendors have one for sale? Or other info or alternatives?

Rich

 

[semenza]

That systainer looks like a SYS 2 with Attic  497852. Is that right?

As best I can tell, that is a discontinued item. Does any vendors have one for sale? Or other info or alternatives?

Rich

Yes, it is a Sys - II T Loc with attic. Tanos as opposed to Festool. Available here  http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=68750&cat=1,43326,68749

Seth