Apparatuses and associated methods for polishing side surfaces of fibers. The system includes a fiber loading mechanism for securing a fiber to the apparatus, a polishing mechanism, and a linear motion mechanism for linearly translating one of the polishing mechanism and the fiber for polishing a side surface of the fiber using the polishing mechanism.

A portable planar abrading or honing apparatus embodying components including modified elongated planar support block with flared ends each with holding arrangements and attached to the blocks planar surface are optional material support bases that assist various tensioned flexible abrasive material, described as abrasive tapes that facilitate manual grinding or honing and sharpening of edges upon the abrasive surface.

A method for cleaning a receiving groove formed on a rotor of an axial flow machine, the receiving groove serving to receive a blade root of a rotor blade is provided. In the method, an elongate base body of a machining tool, the base body having an abrasive surface at least in regions, is introduced into the receiving groove and therein is moved back and forth while machining is performed, wherein the outer contour of the base body is adapted to the contour of the receiving groove to be cleaned, in such a manner that when the base body is in the state inserted in the receiving groove it contacts the wall of the receiving groove in a substantially form-fitting manner such that it acts as a guide body during the back-and-forth movement. Also provided is a machining tool for carrying out the method.

A tool for a slot in a gas turbine engine, according to an example of the present disclosure, includes a head configured to be received in the slot, a first pad removably bonded to the head with an adhesive, and a second pad removably bonded to the head with an adhesive and disposed opposite from the first pad.

A sanding device for reducing dust and debris exposure includes a block and a panel. The panel has a top surface that is selectively couplable to a lower face of the block. The panel has a lower surface that is irregular and thus abrasive. A recess extends into an upper face of the block and is positioned to insert a tube of a vacuum assembly. A plurality of cutouts is positioned in a perimeter of the lower face of the block. Each of a plurality of channels extends from a bottom of the recess to a respective cutout. The block is positioned to be grasped in a hand of a user to urge the panel across a surface to smooth the surface. Air that is drawn through the channels by the vacuum assembly carries dust and debris through the channel into the vacuum assembly.

A sanding block. The sanding block includes a first member and a second member forming a planar body. The first member and second member have opposing angled edges and are connected via a tongue and groove joint along the opposing angled edges. A continuous channel is disposed through the first and second members. A barrel nut is disposed and can revolve in the channel of the first member. A screw is rotatably disposed through an exterior edge of the second member, wherein a shaft of the screw passes through the channel and is threaded through the barrel nut. A user can rotate the screw which causes the planar body to expand and contract. As the planar body expands and contracts, the barrel nut revolves allowing the shaft of the screw to pivot. A belt of sand paper can be secured to the sanding block via expansion of the planar body.

The sanding tool comprises a base, a handle, a first clip, and a second clip. A sheet of sandpaper is held in place against the bottom of the block by the clips. A user grasps the sanding tool by the handle and moves the sandpaper against an object to sand the object. The clips each comprise a wire armature that traps an end of the sandpaper between a plate and a handle block. The wire armature passes through and hinges at the handle block. The ends of the wire armature are coupled to the plate. The wire armature extends towards the center of the block on one side and forms a loop. The position of the loop may be changed to release or retain the sandpaper within the clip. The loop may be retained by a knurled screw into a platform on the block.

A grinding element has an abrasive surface and an abutment surface which is offset by an offset from the abrasive surface. A grinding depth can be adjusted by changing the offset. The grinding element may be a grinding belt.

A sander may include a base with first and second opposite ends and a first retention mechanism rotatably connected to the base. A longitudinal axis may be defined between the first end and the second end. A first groove may be disposed on one side of the longitudinal axis. The first retention mechanism may include a first retaining segment extending over a majority of a length of the first end. The first retention mechanism may further include a first actuating member extending from the retaining segment toward the second end. The first actuating member may be removably retained in the first groove. Actuation of the first actuating member may move the first retaining segment relative to the base for facilitating sandpaper insertion or removal.

An apparatus that focuses on improving efficiency, profitability, and results in the automotive detailing and automotive paint and body shop industries, contains a first layer, a second layer, and a center layer. An inner surface of the first layer is connected to the center layer. An inner surface of the second layer is connected to the center layer opposite to the first sanding layer. The multiple tiers of the apparatus improve user control and maximizes surface contact between the apparatus and the surface being sanded. A first edge and a second edge of the first layer and the second layer can be a straight-cut edge, a bevel cut edge or a rounded edge. Thus, the apparatus can be used on a variety of surfaces. The consistency and the uniformity of the sanding patterns obtained helps the user compound and polish the sanded surface to a more refined finish.