Welcome to another episode of Tools Unleashed, where we take a first look at interesting and innovative tools you might not have discovered yet. These aren’t deep-dive reviews — just honest first impressions from the shop floor. In this episode, I explore four products that promise to make sanding, marking, guiding, and lighting a little easier.
Dura-Gold Firm & Flex Longboard Sanding Block
Price: $29.99
Where to Purchase:
If you’re tired of making flexible sanding strips in your shop, the Dura-Gold Firm and Flex Longboard Sanding Block might become your new favorite smoothing companion. Made of medium-density polyurethane foam and plastic, this bright yellow block strikes a perfect balance between firm and flexible. It’s ideal for smoothing curves of nearly any radius.
Its hand plane-style design (complete with tote and knob) feels natural in the hand, and it uses hook-and-loop sandpaper, meaning you can swap grits in seconds without messy adhesive. For anyone who’s ever fought with spray glue and worn-out sanding strips, this is a serious upgrade.
And if you want to make your own flexible sanding strip instead, here’s a video for you.
Marc’s take: “I’ll never mess around with homemade flexible sanding strips again — longboards are where it’s at.”
JessEm Wood Saber Marking Gauge
Price: $122.99
Where to Purchase: JessEm Tools
As a self-proclaimed marking gauge collector, I was immediately intrigued by the Wood Saber Marking Gauge, a stainless steel and aluminum beauty that weighs just over a pound. It’s built like a tank but feels incredibly comfortable in the hand, especially for those of us with larger hands.
Inside, a spring-loaded ball bearing allows half-inch increments, while the spindle provides micro-adjustments at 1/256th-inch per line. It’s overkill — but in the best possible way. The micro-adjustable precision means you can set an exact measurements with confidence.
Marc says, “This level of precision might be unnecessary for most hand tool users, but it’s just so fun to use. If you’re in the ‘take my money’ crowd, you already know this one’s for you.”
Sponsor Break: Woodcraft’s All-in-One Sharpening System
Keeping your tools sharp is as important as buying them, and Woodcraft makes that easy with their All-in-One Sharpening Solution. The set includes three diamond stones that can be used wet or dry, and each stone is removable for versatility.
Paired with the WoodRiver honing guide, it delivers smooth, controlled bevels in no time. Marc demonstrates the setup on a plane iron, achieving an impressively clean cut in walnut even after just 1,000 grit.
You can find this sharpening kit and plenty more tools to keep your edges crisp at your local Woodcraft store or online at woodcraft.com.
VAD Concepts Roller Guide
Price: $75 (single), $170 (dual set with spacer)
Where to Purchase: VAD Concepts
Designed and made by Matthew Valentine of Michigan, the VAD Concepts Roller Guide is a precision 3D-printed accessory that fits any standard miter slot. It works much like a featherboard, applying spring-loaded pressure to keep your workpiece snug against the fence.
Each roller has about 3/8″ of travel, allowing it to accommodate slightly uneven stock. The tool’s modular design means you can stack rollers for taller workpieces, and they’re even available in a range of colors.
Marc notes the similarity to the Harvey Compass RG-2, a previously reviewed tool, but applauds the VAD version for supporting small independent makers. It’s a versatile, clever solution for safer, smoother cuts.
Dutton Tools Sander Light
Price: $49
Where to Purchase: Dutton Tools
The Sander Light from Dutton Tools, crafted by Josh Hayes in Florida, brings a simple but brilliant idea to life: LED lighting for your sander. Designed for popular sander models, it snaps on easily and projects bright, even light directly on your work surface.
By casting shadows across the grain, it exposes missed sanding marks and surface flaws — especially useful before finishing. Marc found it most effective in dim lighting, mimicking the “raking light” technique used to reveal imperfections.
It comes with a 16-foot power cable (which can be zip-tied alongside your sander cord or hose) and can be detached when not in use. Dutton also makes light kits for the Festool Domino and Lamello, helping improve visibility on precision joinery tools as well.
Marc’s verdict: “If your eyesight isn’t what it used to be, or you just want perfect surface prep, this is a fantastic upgrade.”
The post 4 Clever Tools: Flexible Sanders, A Marking Gauge, Roller Guides, & Sander Lights | Tools Unleashed appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.
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