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Hey everybody, let's talk about finish-sanding methods. Like it or not, we all know that sanding is essential for a good finish. So, what abrasives and tools do you use? How much do you sand? How do you tell when it's enough?
I do alot of sanding, and usually use 100 or 120 grit to start with and then finish up with around a 60 grit But I do not do quality furniture making. I do wood crafts and they do not have to be perfect. I do have a question, and do not how to place it in a blog. I just signed up today, and am new at this. My question is about repairing sanding belts, and making sanding belts. I need to know what type of glue to use and what type of strip to use to cover the spiice. The price of sanding belts is out of site, as is all other wood working materials, and I am just trying to save a buck or two. I hope I received an answer, for I am anxious to get started in making a few usuable belts. If you have an answer for me, please Email me at jdnndn59@yahoo.com
I' m not real sure about how to make a sanding belt, but from my limited experience, you should start with a rough grit sand paper (40, 60 or 80) then work your way to a finer grit(120, 150, or 180) depending on the wood type, the wood grain and desired final effect. I personally start with around a 60 and go to a final grade of 220. I primarily like to work with red oak which will chew through sandpaper rather quickly where a softer wood (whote pine) may alllow the paper to last a little bit longer.
I'll toss this out, I typically sand very little! Instead I use a smoothing planes or on really tough spots a cabinet scraper on my work and accomplish a finer surface than sanding. It is faster, less dust and a whole lot quieter than blasting away with a sander.
C J Struthers