Where to start with sanding?

Welcome Back,

So, you want to get an idea about sandpaper and which is the best grit for your work. Well, it all about trial and error. It's very hard to sand wood wrong. But never the less still possible. So, here is a quick guide as to how I sand any wood.

Sand Paper:

Personally I vary how fine I sand the wood I use. Ranging from 320Grit to 3,000Grit. After 800Grit, I wouldn't stress to much. As I only go further to get make sure the wood is as silky smooth as possible. As there are a few wood that require being sanding more due to grain direction and density of the wood.

40 Grit:

To get the bulk of "ruffer" bits of wood off and shape and round off the edge or corners.

60 Grit -320 Grit:
To smooth every edge, smooth over any rounded edges or corners

600 Grit - 800 Grith:
Best for making an edge or face smooth, but not shape. So best for sanding the face you are burning on.

1000+ Grit:
This is best for the wood that have a "Tricky" grain direction. If you have a piece of wood but plan to go against the grain.

 I find it best to sand it as high as possible, so you don't have to burn as deep. As to reduce the amount of time spent fighting the grain.

Sanding Equipment:

Sander Or By hand?

By Hand, 90% of all wood that I work with will be sanded by hand. Using wood blocks, then wrap the sandpaper round it. You have 100% control then, over how much you are sanding off. Don't get me wrong I use a Random Orbit for 60/80Grit to speed up the mid range sanding. But 40 Grit and 120Grit+, will always be done by hand. AS 40 Grit is WAY to rough and will take way too much wood off. Then 120Grit+, It's generally more enjoyable to sand by hand then just standing with a machine doing all the work.

But It's down to how quick you want to sand a piece of wood. Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with sanding with a sander. But I find it make my work more personal to do it by hand.