A real test would have been one side dura the other BD......... then flip them. BD block over previously blocked by Dura, Dura over BD panel side. You would easily see the flatter block refine more. Any block that flat cuts will clog more easily. That said, I’m sure the BD blocks are a good tool to utilize. I have found blocks will fit different applications. Most will not be doing concours de elegance or striving for a ridler award as the bodywork, tooling and skill level are another level.
Honestly, that experiment would be a waste of time. An acrylic block is so much harder and straighter than a Durablock you can tell the difference just by sanding and realizing how much faster you achieve flatness with the harder block. My blocking time has decreased with the BD blocks and my filler work is a lot straighter.
I agree with all of this, one thing I found and I have brought this to Dean's attention, after using these for a while the rods will fall out as the holes loosen up, very frustrating, I'm going to wrap electrical tape around the end of the rod, Dean is working on a solution for this already. The paper does plug but most people are going with these lexan surface blocks in some shape or form now so it's just nature of the beast. Dura block are still a staple but the hard surface will give you less ripples.
That's a hard question for me to answer for you. To be honest I didn't know they were selling for that much now, because I bought them on presale for substantially less. And I've never used an acrylic block before this; it was always Durablocks or a 3M hookit block. What I will tell you is the blocks are extremely comfortable to hold. I used to get carpal tunnel from extensive block sanding and this is the first time I've never had wrist or hand pain. They also get your surface really flat really fast. They've substantially reduced the amount of time it takes me to block, they get it much flatter than I used to be able to, and they get it straighter on the first pass. They are extremely effective at cutting filler true and flat fast. They are also very flexible so contour perfectly to the panel crown. I used to hate blocking but I do enjoy it now with these, because they work better, they're faster, and more comfortable. So $197 is a lot of money. I supposed if you are doing this day in and day out, they could end up being a pretty substantial time saver for you over the course of even just several jobs and pay for themselves, not to mention their ergonomics would be easier on your hands. If you already have an acrylic block then that might make the value harder to appreciate. If you don't have an acrylic block, then 100% these would be worth the money for you as a full time auto body technician.
Thank you for the quick reply. I’ve always used durablocks and the old wooden blocks with aluminum bases for spa paper. I don’t have any acrylic blocks and agree that these may be a good investment. Keep making great videos!!👍🏼
How do these compare to the linear blocks? Prices are similar. $197.00 for only 2 sizes seems like a lot; even if you can adjust the flexibility. I understand the drawbacks with the durablocks even though their lower price is tempting for a backyard mechanic.
