How to Sand Wood

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Learning how to sand wood is simple, especially if you combine power- and hand-sanding tools to yield the best results.
Learning how to sand wood is simple, especially if you combine power- and hand-sanding tools to yield the best results.
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Random-orbit sanders (top): For removing large amounts of wood from large surfaces, random-orbit sanders can’t be beat. They are less suitable for small areas, and their shape prevents them from reaching into inside corners. Pad sanders (center): Less aggressive than random-orbit sanders, pad sanders are easier to control, which makes them suitable for narrower and more confined areas such as table legs and the insides of cabinets. Hand-sanding tools (bottom): Sand by hand to finish the job. To keep moldings crisp, use commercial rubber profiles or shopmade foam ones to back the sandpaper. For flat areas, use a backing block made from cork or rubber to prevent your fingers from applying uneven pressure.
Random-orbit sanders (top): For removing large amounts of wood from large surfaces, random-orbit sanders can’t be beat. They are less suitable for small areas, and their shape prevents them from reaching into inside corners. Pad sanders (center): Less aggressive than random-orbit sanders, pad sanders are easier to control, which makes them suitable for narrower and more confined areas such as table legs and the insides of cabinets. Hand-sanding tools (bottom): Sand by hand to finish the job. To keep moldings crisp, use commercial rubber profiles or shopmade foam ones to back the sandpaper. For flat areas, use a backing block made from cork or rubber to prevent your fingers from applying uneven pressure.
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Large panels. With their wide contact surfaces, random-orbit sanders are naturally at home on large, flat panels.
Large panels. With their wide contact surfaces, random-orbit sanders are naturally at home on large, flat panels.
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Wide, flat parts. Again, a random-orbit sander does well here. Note: It is easier to sand parts such as table aprons before assembly.
Wide, flat parts. Again, a random-orbit sander does well here. Note: It is easier to sand parts such as table aprons before assembly.
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Narrow parts. On smaller, flat pieces such as the parts for a frame, a pad sander gives more control than a random-orbit sander.
Narrow parts. On smaller, flat pieces such as the parts for a frame, a pad sander gives more control than a random-orbit sander.
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To know when power-sanding is complete, apply mineral spirits to surface. Ignore the color that will appear, instead look for telltale signs of scratches.
To know when power-sanding is complete, apply mineral spirits to surface. Ignore the color that will appear, instead look for telltale signs of scratches.
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Detail sanders come with an assortment of different pads designed to fit most molding profiles. The radius on this pad matches the bead of the apron.
Detail sanders come with an assortment of different pads designed to fit most molding profiles. The radius on this pad matches the bead of the apron.
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One disadvantage of detail sanders is that the adhesive-backed sandpaper frequently comes away from the pad.
One disadvantage of detail sanders is that the adhesive-backed sandpaper frequently comes away from the pad.
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Flat areas. To maintain a flat surface, you should always use a backing block when sanding large areas.
Flat areas. To maintain a flat surface, you should always use a backing block when sanding large areas.
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Rubber profiles. Using a rubber pad that fits the molding helps keep the edges of the profile sharp.
Rubber profiles. Using a rubber pad that fits the molding helps keep the edges of the profile sharp.
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Edges. Break the edges on a project not only to reduce future damage but also to prevent finish from forming a mound at the edges.
Edges. Break the edges on a project not only to reduce future damage but also to prevent finish from forming a mound at the edges.
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End grain. To lessen end grain’s darker appearance when the workpiece is finished, burnish the wood and fill the pores by sanding end grain up to 320-grit paper.
End grain. To lessen end grain’s darker appearance when the workpiece is finished, burnish the wood and fill the pores by sanding end grain up to 320-grit paper.
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Sanding curves by hand. Contour the paper to fit curves in the wood.
Sanding curves by hand. Contour the paper to fit curves in the wood.
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“Best Finishing Techniques” from the Editors of “Fine Woodworking,” is a valuable resource filled with tips and tricks for creating the best finishes possible.
“Best Finishing Techniques” from the Editors of “Fine Woodworking,” is a valuable resource filled with tips and tricks for creating the best finishes possible.

Never fear finishing again! The Editors of Fine Woodworking will give you the skills necessary and confidence to apply finish with ease. Best Finishing Techniques (The Taunton Press, 2011) is an invaluable reference that offers foolproof techniques to guarantee a perfect finish every time. In the following excerpt, David Sorg explains how to sand wood with power- and hand-sanding techniques.

You can purchase this book from the MOTHER EARTH NEWS store: Best Finishing Techniques.

How to Sand Wood

Combine Power and Hand-Sanding for Good Results

The course of true love never did run smooth, according to Shakespeare, and smoothing wood true rarely causes love to course, it would seem. Boredom and fear are more common feelings among woodworkers when sanding their projects. But proper sanding is a crucial part of woodworking, so please read on for some tips and techniques that will turn your boredom into serenity and your fear into fun.

  • Published on May 29, 2014
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