StewMac 8in Wooden Radius Sanding Blocks - Set of 5 Essential Radii

In this review of the StewMac 8in-Length Wooden Radius Sanding Blocks set, the bottom line is simple: this kit is for luthiers and techs who need a reliable, straightforward way to shape and true fretboard radii and to level installed frets. The set contains the five most popular radii and is made from hardwood sized for use with Stikit abrasives, so the single biggest reason to buy is accuracy and consistency when working through common guitar fretboard curvatures.

Key Features

• Five popular radii included: The set contains 7.25in, 9.5in, 10in, 12in and 16in blocks so builders can match most vintage and modern fretboard curvatures without guesswork.
• 8in length: At 8in (203.20mm) long these blocks span the scale length area typically worked on and help maintain an even curve while sanding.
• Hardwood construction: Solid wooden blocks offer a stable sanding surface that resists bending and keeps the radius true under pressure.
• Designed for Stikit abrasives: These blocks are sized to work with stick-on sandpaper for quick setup and consistent material removal.
• Dual use for fretwork: Use coarse grits (80-220) to shape a fingerboard and finer grits (220-400) to level and dress frets, so one kit covers both jobs.

Who It's For

This set is aimed at guitar builders, repair techs and experienced hobbyists who need repeatable radii for fretboard shaping and fret leveling. Shops that handle a range of instruments benefit from having multiple common radii on hand so work proceeds quickly without improvising tools.

It is not for someone who expects a powered radius sanding system or a single universal tool for compound-radius necks; when working on complex compound-radius fingerboards a tech will need to change blocks progressively or use a specialized powered jig.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Well chosen selection of the most common fretboard radii covers typical guitar designs.
• Sturdy hardwood build and accurate shaping give consistent results, as customers report.
• Works with standard Stikit abrasives so switching grits is fast and clean.

Cons

• Limited to the five fixed radii, so multiple blocks must be swapped for compound-radius work.
• Requires separate sandpaper purchase; abrasives are not included in the set.

Specifications

Brand	StewMac
Set contents	5 wooden sanding blocks: 7.25in, 9.5in, 10in, 12in, 16in
Length	8in (203.20mm)
Width	2-3/4in (69.85mm)
Primary use	Shaping fretboard radius and leveling installed frets
Recommended grits	80-220 for shaping; 220-400 for leveling frets

Our Verdict

The StewMac 8in wooden radius sanding blocks are a practical, value-minded choice for anyone doing routine fretboard shaping and fret leveling. They deliver accurate, consistent radii in common sizes and pair well with stick-on abrasives, making them worthwhile for workshops and hobbyists who want predictable results without complex jigs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these blocks include sandpaper?
No. The blocks are sold without abrasives; use Stikit stick-on sandpaper in the recommended grit ranges.

Can I use these on compound-radius necks?
You can, but you will need to switch between blocks as you progress along the neck to follow the changing curvature.

What grit should I use to level frets?
For leveling and dressing frets use finer grits in the 220-400 range after initial shaping.