Fine Woodworking

How-To

Secrets for Better Sanding

Learn the right way to random-orbit sand in Part I of our 3-part video series on sanding and surface prep

By Ed Pirnik Sep 30, 2015

Ed Pirnik, Gary Junken, and Jeff Roos

Part I: Get More from Your Random-Orbit Sander

The random-orbit sander might seem like a no-brainer tool, but there are good and bad ways to use it. In Part I of this series, you’ll learn which sandpaper grits to use, how to get more life out of each disk, and how to sand evenly for a scratch-free surface.

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Videos in the Series

Secrets for Better Sanding

September 30, 2015

Learn the right way to random-orbit sand in Part I of our 3-part video series on sanding and surface prep
Secrets For Sanding Part 2: Follow with Hand-Sanding

October 30, 2015

In Part II of our series, you’ll learn how and why you want to follow power-sanding with a sanding block and finer grits, to get the wood ready for a truly perfect finish.
Secrets For Sanding Part 3: Wet-Sand Your Finishes

November 9, 2015

Wood finishes tend to raise the grain of the wood, lifting tiny whiskers that are rough to the touch. The best way to smooth those fibers back down is wet-sanding.

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