That's going to take forever + a day dude! I think most people who have used the sanding method have employed a power tool of some sort, like a belt sander.
Seriously though, just pop the IHS off. A pack of razors and a mini torch and you're in business. I just did my W3520 a couple days ago, easy as pie. I'm going to do some direct-IHS water cooling on it. Just waiting for my G1/4 tap to show up.