A tool for supporting an
abrasive material is disclosed. The tool may be used to abrade a surface, for example, for sanding. The tool includes a flexible base plate, a base plate curvature-adjusting device, a resilient pad with recesses, and clamps for mounting an
abrasive sheet material upon the pad. The curvature-adjusting device includes a rotatable
handle that engages the ends of the base plate and deflects the base plate to a desired curvature. The recesses in the pad retain abraded material and minimize build up of the abraded material on the
abrasive sheet. Aspects of the invention may be used to abrade, for example, sand, any surface requiring
material removal, for example, sheet rock or automobile body panels. A tool for spreading a material, such as an
adhesive, on a surface is also disclosed; the curvature of the working surface of this tool may also be adjustable.