Block for wet abrading

Abstract

An abrading block (10) especially suited for wet hand surface finishing operations is provided. The abrading block (10) comprises a body (11) having a bottom surface (12) having an opening (13) therein. Bottom surface (12) is adapted to hold a sheet of abrasive material (14), also having an opening (15) therethrough, in a substantially planar position with an abrasive working face (16) exposed and with the opening (15) through the sheet of abrasive material (14) aligned with the opening (13) in the bottom surface (12). The body (11) also includes an opposite surface (17) capable of being grasped by the hand of the user, a cavity (18) capable of containing liquid, and a conduit (19) extending from the opening (13) in the bottom surface (12) to the cavity (18) for passage of liquid from the cavity (18) to the opening (13). An air vent (20) may be provided through the body (11 ) into the cavity (18) to permit liquid to flow therefrom under gravity. The abrading block (10) also includes a porous member (21) having a first portion (22) fitted into the conduit (19) to substantially prevent the free flow of liquid from the cavity (18) and an exposed wiping end portion (23) extending from the opening (13) to or beyond the abrasive working face (16). The porous member (21) is formed of a material which will permit the controlled passage of liquid as its exposed wiping end portion (23) is brought into contact with and passed over the surface (24) being finished during an abrading operation in a sufficient quantity to wet at least a portion of the surface (24) with liquid. Opposite surface (17) may include a handle (25).