22 Jun Woodworking 101: Sanding

One of the most important steps in woodworking is actually sanding your wood. This is used to remove flaws, mill marks and other dents that have been placed in the wood either prior to or during the woodworking process. This step is the secret to a quality finish of every project! Below are a few ways you can improve your sanding techniques to ensure that every project you create is a great one!

Create a Sanding Block

This block can be used to guarantee a smoother more level finish of all your projects. Creating a sanding block is great because with the addition of cork you block will be able to bend enough to accommodate each different piece and type of wood you are sanding. An additional tip is to actually make your own reusable sanding blocks, in order to save money and time on each project you complete.The Family Handyman has a great tutorial on their page to learn more about how to make one of these blocks!

Know When to Use Power Tools

Power tools can definitely be used to help speed up sanding, however they should only be used for certain projects. Knowing when to use power tools and when to use your sanding block is extremely useful and will help you produce your best projects!

Wet-Sanding

Sometimes your wood finishes will raise the grain of the wood, which means that tiny whiskers are lifted, and they are rough to touch. Fine Woodworking recommends that one way to smooth these fibers back down is to use fine paper while the surface is still wet with finish! Hopefully this removes all of those annoying whiskers down, and your finish smooth!