![]() ![]() These sanders make it virtually impossible to damage the workpiece, yet can create a flawless finish. These sanders use round pads which vibrate in tiny circles while also spinning in circles. Consider using a random-orbit sander when possible.Ī random-orbit sander vibrates and spins simultaneously eliminating almost all swirl marks. Until the mineral spirits have evaporated, the wood will look “wet” like a rich oil finish has just been applied. Finally, if you apply mineral spirits you can get a good vision of what the final piece will look like. The minerals spirits can also help show any glue squeeze out that is still present. This helps reveal scratches and flaws which are still present. Some woodworkers apply mineral spirits during the sanding process to remove fine sawdust. ![]() Consider using mineral spirits when sanding. Now you can focus more attention on these areas as you start with a coarser grit sandpaper and work your way to finer grit sand paper.Ħ. This allows you to know where the major flaws and imperfections are located. This fine grit sandpaper will quickly highlight scratches, blemishes, and grain tear-out. Some woodworkers will initially start sanding with a fine grit sandpaper such as 150-180. Consider starting with a sandpaper grit “fine” to identify problem areas. This is especially beneficial to bowls, rolling pins, etc. The sandpaper will now cut them off cleanly resulting in a very smooth finish. By lightly damping the wood, you will raise the fibers that are laying down. Nothing raises the grain of wood quite like water. One of the key elements to creating beautiful work is good lighting. Even a flashlight held at an angle can help expose scratches not seen from a straight light. While light from any direction is helpful, a raking light (i.e., a light source at an oblique angle) is especially helpful in revealing grain tear-out, tool marks, and scratches (left from a previous grit). Typically, the best lighting for seeing scratches is when you hold a light at an angle. Use a light held at an angle to help see scratches. ![]() You will typically find it takes far more work to remove the initially tear-out and saw marks, than to remove the scratches left by a lower grit sandpaper.ģ. This maybe one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. The first and most important step in sanding is to start with a coarse enough sand paper. ![]() Make sure to start with a sandpaper grit that is coarse enough. Consequently, the lower the grit number, the coarser the abrasive.įine sanding to remove surface blemishes and scratches.Ģ. Whereas, a grit 64 specifies that the abrasive particles passed through a mesh screen with 64 openings. For example, a grit 16, specifies that the abrasive particles passed through a mesh screen with 16 openings as shown below. The term “grit” specifies the size of abrasive materials which can pass through a mesh screen. Understand what the term “sandpaper grit” means. Following are some essential sanding tips that will allow you to create pieces that will outsell your competition. If a piece has not been sanded well, it will most likely never look great, regardless of the finish that you apply. In other words, creating long, flying shavings might look impressive, but a well sanded finish might be more important in determining which piece brings the highest price. “You turn for show and you sand for dough”. However, your ability to make putts on the green might be more important in determining who wins a tournament.Īlong these same lines, I use the following expression when teaching woodturning. “You drive for show and you putt for dough.” In other words, long drives from the tee box can be very impressive. If you have ever played golf, chances are you have heard the expression. Do you want to learn 13 quick and easy ways to improve your sanding? Sandpaper grit – use these sanding Tips and Tricks to enhance your woodworking and DIY projects. ![]()
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