: I've seen several folks write about using a "longboard" for sanding
: and fairing hulls, paddles, etc. I have a mental picture of what a
: "longboard" must look like but haven't seen one, haven't found
: one in a catalog or website and only get blank stares when I ask at local
: hardware stores. Can anyone point me to a place I can buy one or to plans
: to build one?

I made a few longbds and of diff types just to have flexibility. Some across grain, some with(with grain used most except for tight curves). Because there was a few areas of major wood removal, I made them the clamping type. The simplicity is to just buy one of those 5 paks specials of 3 x 24 in sanding belts for elec sanders. They are strong and seem to last big time w/ hand sanding. Cut them straight across at their join, and put on a 3in x 21 in plywood(? I used 1/4in ply) sanding bd.

For the clamp, I drilled 1/4in hole 3/4in from the end, inset a 1 1/4 bolt(flat head). Took a 3in pc of the 3in wide scrap, drilled a hole thru the centre, and on top of that thread on one of those wood thread on drawer knobs. Strong, not too quick(have to turn the knob a few times-but clamps!) and simple.

But if I was to do it again for real simplicity, make the same 3in x 21 in bd, get 2 at 2 1/2in acco clips(the kind w/ the folding wire handles) and 16 in of 1/8in bungee. Tie the 2 clips to ea other w/ the bungee and about the 16 in separation, clip one end of the belt in one clip, wind the belt around the longbd and clip the other end. The bungee hold it in place.

might work.

-mick