Simplified Sanding Disc Storage

Intro: Simplified Sanding Disc Storage

I was almost too embarrassed to submit this simple Instructable. But, it solved a problem for me so maybe it will for others.

I'm a woodworking hobbyist and use 5 inch sanding discs, sheet sandpaper, and sanding belts. All these have been stored in several large drawers in no particular order making finding anything more difficult. Since I use the discs most frequently, I thought I should make it easier to find the particular grit I needed. Looking online, I saw that there are many ways people have tackled disc organization and storage. Many require making some kind of wooden "box". I have the tools and skills to build such a box, but, didn't want to spend the time doing so. The simple and inexpensive method I decided to use is a plastic box that separates the discs by grit number.

STEP 1: Size Your Need

Simple plastic "shoeboxes", the type readily available from Walmart and other stores, (or even REAL cardboard shoeboxes) might be a simple solution. The small plastic boxes come in various sizes and are generally inexpensive. I already had a number of different sizes so I tried each size out.

I had about 10 different "grits". Putting them all in the smallest container I had would save space in my shop. The discs all fit "width-wise", but were taller than the small box so I couldn't use the box's lid. I wanted to have a lid but maybe that's not important to you.

The box shown in the two photos accommodates the discs comfortably and the lid does go on. This box is a:

Sterilite #1922, 7 quart, 14 3/8 by 8 1/4 by 6 inches brand that I found at Walmart

I could quit at this point but I decided that maybe some "grit dividers" would be nice and could be easily made from thin scrap plywood. One could also use paper, cardboard, hardboard, or, no dividers. The dividers I made were 5 inches by 6 3/8 inches. I had to notch the top corners in order to clear features on the underside of the box lid. This was easy to do with my bandsaw but, of course, one could also use a jig saw or hand saw.

Comments

[tytower]

Personally my problem has always been keeping them flat. So I have them stacked on top of each other with a lead weight over the top of them .

I'm wondering if I can adapt this and turn it on its end or maybe at a 75 degree angle or something. The box would also keep them dryer in my moist environment.

[TheEncryptor]

Personally, I am glad you posted :). It is a good idea. I have the same organizational problem, but I had not realized until reading your article.. I am going to make one of these for sure

[gwlinn123]

Thanks for your comment. I'm now thinking about a similar way to store some of my less frequently used 10 inch saw blades using one or more plastic hanging folder file boxes. The boxes are small, about 12 X 12 X 9. Of course, the trick will be to separate them so no metal against metal contact is possible and include a way to identify the blade from the teeth edge. Commercial blade protectors are available but seem too expensive for what they are and they don't seem to store well. Rapid access would not be a problem since I primarily use only two blades and I would keep them out.