The Only 3 Sandpapers You Really Need | SANDING BASICS

[@RepTalez]

Years ago I had an older neighbor that was very OCD, he would hear me wood working and come over to see what I was making. His OCD would always kick in aand he would start sanding, and sanding, and sanding.. he wouldn't stop until the wood was as smooth as glass. He would always thank me for letting him help on my project and even started bringing his own sand paper.

[@edvargo291]

RepTalez WOW!

[@buggiekhan]

Our neighbour can only scream .. lucky u

[@wasabij]

I wish I was this lucky.

[@amigator7789]

"He would always thank me for letting him help on my project and even started bringing his own sand paper." Best 'neighbour' story ever, I'm ROFLing here. This is hilarious :-)

[@user-co4xl7wx3q]

Sounds like a good neighbor

[@PSYCH-BASS]

Nice video Steve! One of my favorite sanding hacks is, after you sanded the surface of your workpiece with the final grit, take a wet sponge and wet the surface like applying a coat of oil finish. Let it dry and the fibers of the wood that aren´t smooth will rise. Then sand it again with your final grit. This is great for tables and other big surfaces, but also for toys becaus it gives you a really smooth result!

[@gregwallace9314]

Yes, by wetting down the wood a bit you raise the grain and any imperfections. When you sand again it really smooth things out. GOOD TIP!!

[@Troy-Echo]

DOH! I knew that one, but forgot to add it to my tips. And the best way to sand corners is to start with a router. :-P

[@Tommy_007]

Thank you! How dry should the wood be before sanding again?

[@SteveRamsey]

Raise your hand if you love sanding! Yay! It's the best part of making things! (Said no one ever.) But, it's something we have to deal with on almost all woodworking projects. I hope this video will help to minimize the monotony of sanding and simplify the topic. It's actually a pretty big topic and I couldn't cover everything in this video. Help us all out by leaving a comment with any sanding tips you might have!

[@bartjennings]

+Steve Ramsey My dad makes canoe paddles, and a belt sander held upside down in a vice is really helpful for him to create the shape of the paddle's blade! but as you say, that is quite an aggressive task!

[@tombull2452]

Great video Steve could you make a bar from pallets ??

[@Mamoondar]

+Steve Ramsey Hi Ramsey, very informative... thanks. but finishing projects is always confusing, when to sand and when not and what to apply and what not. I will appreciate if you can make some videos covering these aspects.. Thanks again

[@norm1124]

Working with the rasp is still fun. So I would consider this a near-sanding love.

[@angelahathaway3402]

+Steve Ramsey This part of wood working is actually probably my favorite part. In fact, most often I hand sand and only use a tool when doing alot of shaping. With my skill of wood working I tend to have more 80 grit since I often have a good amount of hanging. I loved this video!! Thanks!!

[@LordoftheJamesClan]

As a sandpaper salesman, I can give a few pointers on technical aspects. There are many different minerals used in the actual abrasive of the sandpaper. Not all sandpapers are equal, some use higher quality minerals, but apart from that here is some info.. For sanding wood, some people still prefer to use the natural garnet, unlike produced minerals it does not fracture to stay sharp, it becomes dull as you use it, which means it will be less effective but produce a smoother finish, if you grab a fresh piece of garnet paper it will be significantly sharper than the other piece. Aluminum Oxide is not the best choice for wood (since it is a metal, you could get mineral fallout into your project), however many people really like it because it is extremely durable and cheap; The small minerals fracture instead of becoming dull, which means it will stay sharp just as long. Its lifespan is usually dependent on the thickness and durability of the paper, also loading can become an issue. Loading is when whatever your sanding gets stuck and trapped on the paper rendering it less useful. You can get non-loading sand paper which is sterrated in a lubricant similar to baby-powder. The best choice for wood is Silicon Carbide (glass). It has the benefits of garnet by not fracturing, and it becomes more dull as it is used, and the lack of durability is not as significant sanding soft materials, like wood and even concrete. It is more expensive but its sharpness will mean much faster results. The sandpaper Steve is using in the video is a commercial grade aluminum oxide sand paper. I would suggest trying a professional grade silicon carbide, you will get much better results. Silicon Carbide also comes in screens (Like the screen on a screen door) which is amazing because anything you sand will come right out of the holes, and since its double sided you can just flip it over if you want a fresh and sharp abrasive.

[@ramaroodle]

LordoftheJamesClan Excellent. Thanks.

[@drestanmiller6716]

What about the sandpapers with softer or sponge backing, e.g. 3M products?

[@ronaldthomas3528]

LordoftheJamesClan thanks for the information! now where do we buy the silicone carbide paper and screens? I like the idea of the screen a lot.

[@MyGreenNest]

Thanks!

[@bobwolf1811]

LordoftheJamesClan - Thanks for the information. It will be very useful.

[@smahendra1948]

Hi Steve, I am retired and diving into the wonderful world of wood working. It does benefit me in two ways, keeps my brain ticking as well as keeps my body fit! I was thinking of enrolling into a technical college to learn about wood working, but then I found your videos. They are fantastic. I found your videos and many others on the youtube very informative and educational, especially yours. How do you manage to keep your smile all the time while talking about the nitty gritty. Please keep videoing more and more. Thanks mate-Sam from Sydney Australia (But one thing I need to flag is that most of the videos I find in youtube are from USA and the measurements are in imperial-inch-feet-whereas I am used to metric measurement).

[@abar7178]

Hey Steve, Abe here, . just wanted to say Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. thanks for the education. I am more of an Industrial Electro-Mechanical guy. ( PLC'S and industrial machinery repair) However when my 1st son was born my wife wanted to spend all kinds of money on curtains and He-Man Sheets and spreads for my sons room. They prices were crazy. I said to hell with that. I work with all kinds of hand tools in the industry. I Bought the HE-Man comforter and the He-Man fitted Sheet for his mattress. Then I bought I think I bought 6, matching He-Man Flat sheets. I figured, If I can operate industrial tools. Hell, I can operate a Sewing machine too. I went out and bought myself a $200. Brother Sewing machine.and with the Flat sheets I put hems and sleeves on the top and made Curtains out of them for his room I also made HE- Man pillow cases as well. That sewing machine has saved me a small fortune on all kinds of stuff. its one of those tools You made not need it all the time. but when you do its there. I have made valences for the house each one if purchased would have cost me hundreds a piece. With my sewing machine and my Jig saw. I saved Big bucks there. Heres where you come in Steve. I Know and can figure out how to do anything I put my mind too. I just figure it out. Except as a result of not knowing the "Basics / Theory " it"s a cognitive lesson. Being a mechanical kind of guy. I was able to become A Respiratory Therapist and eventually a Clinical instructor for students. I teach them them the electro- physio aspect of the human Body from a mechanical sense.( Ie) Nuerons are in essence electrical conductors "Wires" and just like an electrical conductor in the wall it has insulation. (Myelin sheath, Insulation ) The Heart is a 4 chamber pump. Negative and positive pressures. the kidneys. A filter. etc. Now I am doing the same with wood working I have those tools I am a Tool Guy. Thank you for your time and the basics. Semper FI.

[@TomaNicTurtle159]

One tip for the random orbit sander I learned while working at a woodworking shop, is to hold it by the base, not the top, the control you get will bring your sanding game to the next level. I know this because of the countless hours I spent using Nothing but a random orbit sander(and a 1/4 sheet pad sander) . Otherwise, everything els is spot on! I really appreciate your videos, they are always so funny, and enjoyable to watch, but above all els make me feel welcome into the woodworking community, and inspired to see what I can make.

[@pinkfluffydino8217]

I think I must just be a weirdo. I enjoy the sanding! It’s like meditation for me. I find it soothing and relaxing for some reason and everyone I tell that too thinks I’m nuts. Also, I love watching how the wood changes as you sand with different grits and becomes more and more gorgeous with each step. 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@AndrewBrierley]

I learn more in your short videos than I do in hours of watching others. Short, sharp to the point and entertaining at the same time. Thank you for your effort.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Steve, just the upside down belt sander mounting tip was worth watching this entire video for! This is an excellent presentation - sharpening wood chisels with a sander? Yes, please! You have a new sub... that's right, I'm just "one in a million" I look forward to many more coffee breaks spend learning your woodworking techniques and tips. THANK YOU

[@ajsbrushworksllc8348]

As a painter, I actually really love sanding. It's long and tedious, but is one of the most important parts of paint prep. I like seeing the old rough substrate become new and young again before I even put product on it. Good vid steve!

[@sorpyy3644]

Hello I’m starting tomorrow as a spray painter. Is the job hard and will I understand the job quickly?

[@ajsbrushworksllc8348]

@@sorpyy3644 depends on you and how fast you learn. Painting with a sprayer, isn't particularly hard. The set up and prep, yes there are tedious parts of it. There is technique involved, which you learn with time. You make mistakes, we all do, no matter how long we have been doing it. Stay patient, stay humble learn as much as you can and you will be just fine. Good luck.

[@sorpyy3644]

@@ajsbrushworksllc8348 thank you. Just wondering how much does a 1st apprentice make per hour?

[@ajsbrushworksllc8348]

@@sorpyy3644 depends. With no experience, new painter apprentice I start my guys at low hr rate. The kid that is with me now, has been with me 3 years. He's making close to 20 an hr now. I reward good work and discipline, and I reward loyalty.

[@Patriot4TheTree]

I just found you and your videos are EXCELLENT! I am a beginner in woodworking, and I have yet to find someone with clearly stated, concise information, without too much nonsense or technical speak. It's hard to learn, when everyone wants to speak in code or assume that you already know this or that. You also start with basic fundamentals, without treating the viewer like a 3 year old. Thank you very much.

[@MattHeere]

If you're applying anything that soaks into the wood (oil or otherwise) then you want to sand to at least 220. Stain is the common thing that comes to mind. Sanding to a finer grit goes a long, long way to making sure stain absorbs evenly. Sanding to only 120 grit is a recipe for blotch, streaks, and visible scratches in a stained or dyed project.

[@alenm1511]

How about when just applying lacquer? And does it matter if finishing soft or hardwood?

[@tvstudentNL]

Steve, I am very much a beginner and I haven't even got a lot of powertools (I have asked them for my birthday coming up in July!). I have been gathering some projects I'd like to do and am learning as much as possible before I can start. Each time I have a very specific question in mind, I end up clicking on your videos without realizing I'm doing so. Thanks so much for giving so much info! I feel like once I get started I'll know a lot. I'm starting with refinishing some nightstands today so this sanding info is very welcome :)

[@turbocobra]

Good one Steve! You have a gift for explaining things in a concise way with some clever comments thrown in for entertainment!

[@VicT992]

Have been watching your videos sporadically over the last 3 months and I'm learning so much from you! Being a newbie to woodworking I've been needing concise, straightforward and well explained tips and demonstrations to get me started quickly. I've found your tutorials to be the best. I'm sure they've been helping many other people out there as well, so thank you for doing what you do, Steve! :)

[@lancsFrogger]

just watched 40+ youtube sanding videos but this is easily the best. seems to provide all basic knowledge for general woodwork sanding

[@ChuckHaering123]

I have watched a LOT of KZbin help and informational videos - Steve is the most straight forward and highly informative person I have seen! Simple, Truthful, Informative and down home FUN to watch! All 5 Stars - Great Job!!

[@billborden310]

If you mount your belt sander upside down as you show in the video, you can use the curved area of the belt to sand inside curves. Thanks for the information. Very good video.

[@CFUNK2001]

I like to use steel wool after applying a finish like Danish oil or lacquer. I've found it makes the wood silky smooth.

[@myema5694]

I enjoy your videos so much. Lots of info and humor to boot. Never a dull moment like so many out there. I don't know who your videographer is but they get 2 thumbs up, too.

[@SteveRamsey]

+Marianne Myers Thanks. Just me doing the filming!

[@heatherwynter2116]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for simplifying sanding. I can't thank you enough. I enjoy your humor

[@bradnicoll2282]

This "Basics" series is a good idea. I've always thought that if you can learn to do the basics of any skill really well, then you'll be able to do more complicated stuff easily. Good content, good channel, good all around.

[@lmnoprkarim]

Not only does the presenter know his craft well, he is also an awesome communicator and articulates the content in a pragmatic and helpful way along with valuable tips.

[@dscrive]

I back my sandpaper with duct tape, it holds together longer to get the most use out of it. I used to use cheap-o sand paper, but I bought and tried some of that tan sand paper available at lowes, I don't recall the brand off hand, it's got an anti loading coating so the saw dust doesn't clog as quickly. And for sure, that anti clog works, I get about 10X the use on the lath, and about 2-4x use by hand. That's with duct tape backing, which already doubles or triples the life of sandpaper.

[@jamesking9378]

Never thought to reinforce the paper. I'm looking forward to trying this for myself.

[@jamesking9378]

Never thought to reinforce the paper. I'm looking forward to trying this for myself.

[@beckerqueiroz]

Ah, your videos are just the best. Every single question I have, I look it up and you already have it answered. People like are what makes KZbin.

[@ThePillenwerfer]

When you've sanded something wipe over it with a damp rag, let it dry and then sand it again. Smooth as a baby's bottom.

[@garciabyron218]

Yes, excellent advice, the wood will get swollen with water and the tiny grains will pop up.

[@GradyWerner]

This. Raising the grain makes a huge difference in final results for me. Very good advice

[@jimmymclemore9807]

Thanks. Good tip, makes sense. I will try it.

[@buckeythedog6132]

Thanks

[@superiorbeing95]

I do wonder who invented the bottom based gauge of smoothness, Baby Bottom is the smoothest and a Bears Arse seems to be the roughest but the system lacks ratings in between those two.

[@Irwhodunit]

After removing six layers of paint from kitchen counters, I've just learned that I've wasted about six hours following up 220 grit with 320 grit. I'm going to re-paint and I'm glad I watched this today, because it saved me the next 6 to 8 hours I had planned with the 320. Thanks!

[@idan1358]

When your vid starts and then the micro jig ad cuts in, it cracks me up every time 🤣👍

[@mickeymacaco236]

I've used the ½", ⅜" and ¼" sanding bands on drum mandrels with a ⅛" shank for over forty-five years - since saving up my weekly allowance (i.e. coins and small bills I surreptitiously purloined from my parents' pockets and purses as recompense for my pain and suffering) to buy the Dremel® Moto-Tool® Model 370, which cost me $49.95 at Longman's Hobbicraft in Tempe, Arizona in the early 1970s. It never occurred to me that similar sanding drum bits with ¼" shanks for use with ordinary power drills might also be available, nor had I ever seen them for sale at a hardware store or online. _Excellent!_ Now I know. Thanks for the tip, Steve.

[@djryanashton]

Please make a basics video covering different finishes - oils, polyurethane, etc.

[@timothyruiz2465]

Perhaps I am one of the few .. or the only one .. that actually likes sanding. Here's why: I have to put in the effort of course, but I love feeling the results of starting off with a rough surface and little by little (sometimes quickly depending on the grit), it turns into a smooth, splinter free surface .. for me, that's very rewarding. Perhaps it's a tactile thing. Thank you Steve for your straight-to-the-point tips on sanding! BTW - worth mentioning is the little Mouse Sander. My Craftsman mouse sander has held up like a champ over MANY projects, and still beats on. That sharp point it comes to also helps get into those tight spots. Thanks again!

[@Nordraw]

I always knew you had True Grit Steve. This video just proves it.

[@katanakhip]

I work in a woodworking shop and my job is basically sanding:P so it's not that bad. But my tip for sanding ny hand, as I mostly do, is to wear a glove or even wrap masking tape on your fingers to stop the sandpaper from damaging your skin. If u don't you will find that your fingertips are barely skin covered only after a day of sanding and then you can't hold stuff in your hand and it will take at least a week for the tissue to regenerate. Hope that helps and thank you so much Steve for your time and effort into these videos. Your a strong reason why I can call myself a professional woodworker, peace:)

[@Wackywoodworks]

My favorite sanding tip is to get some one else to do it...

[@janiceshira8919]

Me too.

[@elesfann7182]

Lmfaoo

[@mountaingirl1797]

😂🤣😂🤣

[@kezzays]

As a total beginner in DIY wood working, I really appreciate and learn a lot from your videos. Looking forward to your next videos, thanks for sharing

[@joemcdonald2586]

One little bit of advice random orbit sanders that I would add is to NOT start, or stop, them when they are in contact with your work piece. This tends to leave swirls that will require additional sanding.

[@edvargo291]

Joe McDonald ; Indeed!

[@Joestacemazjojo]

To whoever is still watching. Just finished staining my first stained piece, to come home to insane swirl marks throughout. Ended up sanding through all that stain back to raw wood. Now scared to use an orbital sander again. Of course I sanded stain away with orbital sander using 100 grit( by hand yeah right) not sure how to proceed? Any suggestions? It’s a 6’ by 1’ bar top .

[@rowankeltizar5961]

@@Joestacemazjojo wondering what you've learned since this mishap. Trying to figure it out myself. I thought I had the surface very nice and smooth until I stained it. Only thing is maybe starting with 100 or 120grit instead of 80?

[@Joestacemazjojo]

@@rowankeltizar5961 honestly I can’t remember when I wrote this. But whatever sanding grit you are using if it does not take out any swirls fairy quickly, I’d back up a grit and begin again there. I constantly use the the pencil line trick. Scribal your entire piece with a pencil, sand until you sand the line away then you can move to next grit. Sometimes I may have to do this two times, sometimes I again have to move a grit back. Use a flashlight or light stick over the object witch will help u see the swirls better. Overall sanding is the worst part of every project ( wait til you get to epoxy) you just have to take a lot of time before you move along to the next grit. Wiping it down with mineral spirits in between which takes time to dry will sometimes bring out things you don’t see otherwise. Look close before it dries and circle any spots you may have missed. Patients is key, no easier way around it unfortunately

[@Joestacemazjojo]

Thanks for replying. I also am not sure when I replied. I have been working with epoxy for awhile now and am about ready to throw in the towel . I do use the pencil trick always, my biggest issue now is I’m getting sanding discharge ending up stuck in the grain especially when trying to sand epoxy to a higher grit like 400 or plus. I recently had to remove all finish and take project back to 80, but again as I worked up still came out with the same issue. I use vacuum, microfiber, tack clothes, as well as mineral spirits. I enjoy every other process until it comes to sanding which takes 75% of my time easily. What do you sand to with epoxy ? Any thoughts on the sanding getting trapped in the pores of the wood? I’ pretty much work with blk walnut. Thank you

[@mavisalmanza2358]

What a fun video. I was really looking for a tutorial on palm sanding. I couldn't turn the video off because this guy is so likeable.

[@meltingpoint97]

Only you can make a video about sanding seem interesting Steve

[@Fetor]

+Jim Halpert Michael*

[@DanyalShams99]

+fetor41 vsauce?

[@sevenandbone777]

i love how you show different examples of each one and how to use them, im trying to remove a clear finish off of a wood toy chest so that i can stain it darker, and i have no idea what i’m doing but this helps so much

[@pkay1111]

Love your videos. You are just so crazy "at times". Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and love to see more informative videos from you. Take care.

[@Xiaoloshu]

Looking at getting into woodworking for various diy projects I have in mind: Motivated by memories of my late father's handiwork, and things he's made for me and my family, I'm hoping to make some nice things that I or loved ones can enjoy and use for a long time. Your videos are engaging, entertaining and very informative from a number I have browsed before stumbling on you; I also love your humour. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and beautiful, brilliant mind.

[@MrCardeso]

Please make a video comparing racing sanders. I would like to buy the fastest one.

[@Ludix147]

+Derek Richline no, he was talking about racing them on the ground to a goal line.

[@sovietelectioncollidingtro6231]

@@Ludix147 no sh*t, Sherlock...

[@morukuser]

Great idea

[@shumeister1059]

There should be a powertool race, where people with too much money and tools get silly.

[@Amiro1990]

You just showed me the light i really had a confuse decision between those sanders levels and you explained it on the spot for me , thank you very much to you sir ill keep watching this amazing channel of yours

[@MattDiresta]

love the "Basics" series great info for people just getting started! or even people who have been doing it for years!

[@coffeeisgood102]

Really great video. Very informative. You also gave me more confidence that I am not as crazy as I thought. Since I got started into refinishing furniture several years ago I settled on 3 grits of sandpaper that I use regularly and don't buy any other. They are 80, 120 & 220. Just the grits you recommend. I always kept this a secret as I felt a real carpenter would just laugh me out of the room. Now I know I'm not alone.

[@saqibnoor2077]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. love these educational videos about tools , KEEP THEM COMING.

[@Guswongsurfing]

man, i really enjoy your video, very instructive, easy to follow. I know what i need!

[@michelfeinstein]

Steve, any tips on how to know its time to change the sanding disk, so you won't risk damaging the orbital sander, but still maximize the life of the disk?

[@dianankenglack2735]

I'm looking for this answer too

[@jessicabuckman9675]

I purchased a random sander, and it works well. Thanks Steve for you're insight on woodworking stuff.

[@Joe-dt7wp]

An alternative to a spindle sander is to get an old small hole saw, and glue a piece of sand paper (cut to size) to the outside of it

[@RobSipes]

I hate sanding, but loved your video Steve. I'm still new to woodworking, but trying to learn wherever I can. Time to stock up on 80, 120, and 220 grit sandpaper. I had my eye on a Makita random orbit sander for a while. All my other power tools are 18v LTX Makitas, and have been happy with them for the last few years. Why change brands when they all work as needed! Thanks for sharing. Knowledge is power.

[@betterlatethannever4529]

Let's see if I have this correctly 60-80 = Basic material removal 120 = Beginning of the smoothing process 220+ = Final grit for Smoothing

[@davidperry4013]

600+ grit is optional.

[@OldSchoolNoe]

Goodness, I just dived into the world of woodworking. My first project was restoring all the interior doors in the house. 120 grit was all I needed to scuff that old finish and repaint. Little tidbits like that really do make a difference.

[@D-OveRMinD]

Still loving your stuff, man. I remember when you got the oscillating sander, the table saw, etc. Nice that you brought it up. Also, can we have a more detailed, updated video on finishing? What types for what woods, when to sand and when not, etc?

[@dtoux]

I find it weird that so many people don’t like sanding… for me, this is the best part 🤣

[@cokefridger]

What is the difference between one hand and two hand random orbital sanders? Just the handling or is there more at?

[@hi_im_cj]

I don't think I've ever laughed out loud during a wood working video, but you've got me a bunch of times, Steve. Thanks!

[@NickFerry]

Did you have a bad day Steve? You seem rather abrasive, lol

[@bigbluemsp]

haha!

[@CJRoe]

Probably not bad, just a little rough! Lol, this could get fun!

[@kcocgibkcusuoy]

Be careful with the puns, we wouldn't want to send Steve into orbit or have him get the belt.

[@markw3598]

Lame.

[@BannWorthRulz]

OHHHHHHHHH Snap!!!

[@kevinharding2099]

I appreciate your style: very practical, straight forward, not too technical. Thanks.

[@Erowens98]

I find i get better results with less work if i only go up 60 grit at a time. Most of the time starting at 120, then 180, then 240 and when i feel like it 300 +, i use 60 to remove material.

[@oceanbytez847]

dang it is super rare to find such rapid, quality, and informative content. Great job!

[@floyd4311]

I'm cracking up over here! "For racing..." Classic!

[@neomis0119]

i loved sanding, I always hand sanded for me, I hand sanded all my woodwork on my Sailboat, I had that sailboat looking like a millionaire owned it, I did it all, cabinets, floor, and the finish when I was done... so professional, only hand tools for me, I knew every curve of that boat. many compliments. sadly my fingers are broken down and worn, have to use power tools now and even then my grip is so bad.

[@Madeyoulooksogood]

funny and knowledgeable! Great combination! Great Videos!

[@JB-Holly10]

I think I've learnt more from you in15 minutes than I have in months of boring vids ..I Love you 😂

[@michaellurch9472]

i kinda want a basics fo clamping i have like 9 clamps but some of them just sit around and i wish i knew what they were specifically for

[@AGH331]

"... and by everybody's I mean no one's." Speak for yourself! I don't even have power-tools, so have to sand everything by hand, and I love it! It is such a satisfying job, getting rid of imperfections, feeling everything getting smoother and smoother with each new grit.

[@johndrew6568]

That fine sawdust should be kept then mixed with white PVA glue which dries transparent, but is excellent for hiding small holes etc even splits.

[@drestanmiller6716]

Used to buy Plastic Wood' but over the past decade I've done what you suggest & it WORKS well - for any colour & type of wood you're using. Gives a Natural colour & can be strengthened if needed by adding wood glue just before applying this mix to your wood project..

[@edvargo291]

Excellent suggestion!!

[@rianevans3997]

You just gave me 100s of ideals with that band sander. Plan on gluing some sandpaper to my saw-table/ on the side of the blade and go from there. Thanks so much

[@thehawk1160]

Aw man. I love sanding

[@KepaTairua]

Just going back and rewatching some of the BASICS series. REALLY good stuff. So easy to grasp, and makes woodworking accessible to everyone. Thanks for these, Steve

[@ScrapwoodCity]

Super cool tips!

[@jeffparryncc1701]

I sand the wood with 120 grit then use a Wipe-On Polyurethane to five layers (these are thin due to the wiping). Then finish the poly with 1000,1500, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Grit Cushioned Abrasive Pads on an random orbital sander and end with Meguiars Ultimate Compound for a great finish. Great job Steve.

[@opmdevil]

Sanding? It really makes me sad because it reminds me of my ex-girlfriend, Sandy...After she left me, I burned all my tools and wood...but that only remindid me of my earlier ex-girlfriend, Ashley...

[@Mixwell1983]

@@CC-jy4gr not nearly as long as it took you to reply to his 2 year old comment.

[@Mixwell1983]

@@CC-jy4gr haha 😂

[@silverfoxhauling1543]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@asifchangazi9025]

Story ended too early! Wanted to know the whole one...😁

[@jayrob7418]

Lol loved this 😂

[@juliepederson3143]

Researching how to sand and refinish a kitchen table. Still watching your videos. Love the California cutout in the background on your wall!

[@gregschlierf2931]

One thing I do is to lightly scribble a pencil around the surface of the item i am sanding, that way when the pencil marks are gone, I know I have sanded the surface. This is especially helpful after inspection and I see areas I need to go back to.

[@SillyOmega]

So this technique works and is useful. I have only seen one person do it. I was curious because I have trouble knowing once I've sanded it. So my cabinet teacher. Scolds me a little.

[@natsterjam]

Great video! I agree with everything you said except one thing, I keep 80 grit, 120 grit and 240 grit paper in my workshop. The 240 gives a slightly smoother finish than the 220 grit you recommend but it is marginal! Very useful tips about sanders too, thanks for a great watch!

[@baronteddyvonforsthoffer2567]

I cut a dowel on my lathe and glue the sandpaper to it for sanding curved pieces.

[@ErandSmakaj]

just wanted to compliment your channel... by far the most informative I've seen so far

[@TheSurfaceZero]

will 80 grit for a power sander take care of splinerty pallet wood?

[@SteveRamsey]

yes...that's what I use.

[@allenlivera1611]

This couldn't have been more enjoyable and informative. (I approached it thinking it would be painful and overwhelming.)

[@thomaskelly1228]

Steve, what is the best grit to use for racing?

[@MrAce21]

Thomas Kelly 1 grit

[@Felisargyle]

Depends on the surface lol

[@Felisargyle]

60 grit for your moms wood floor

[@martinmikkelsen246]

24 grit :)

[@kenn1936]

WOW who would have guessed there were so many sanders. Thank you very much for this video. Excellent tips.

[@SpecificLove7]

Great info, thank you

[@23thkr]

This is my favorite woodworking channel on youtube. Thank you for making me spend less money on the sandpaper jungle :D

[@stevenseventyeight3287]

i really love sanding, no clue why

[@csrnibbler9912]

Quick, concise, and very helpful. Thank you for this. Heading to a big box store now to get me some 80, 120, and 220. I like the clamping the belt sander down as well since I hate using it freehand for stuff.

[@Felisargyle]

I don’t watch you enough to expect your micro jig intro

[@TheUltamatium]

Good video! I sand floors for a living and can confirm these grits make up 95% of my projects. In my experience if done right 120 grit it usually good enough and scratches aren’t visible(unless I’m staining then that’s another story).

[@Dukefazon]

"That just scratches the surface... HA!" :D

[@aljundating1574]

I am a new woodworker. Because of this video of Steve, I bought a dewalt orbital sander. But while working, I found that a belt sander is more useful at this moment because of some errors brought by the fact that I am neophyte. I found the random orbital sander useless in flattening 2 millimeters of error in a table top. You will spend at least half an hour to flatten it. But when I bought a belt sander, the work becomes easy. I think it depends upon the skills, the need and the type of tools also in the shop. On my part, I am using a jobsite table saw and not all are flatten well that is why I use belt sander. If you are newbie or you do not have a machine possessed of precision, it is not advisable to prioritize random orbital sander. Go first to belt sander.

[@ItIsNotMeReally]

The Belt sander part made me laugh! Or you could race them!! wow

[@anandkkpr]

I'm a total newbie to home maintenance. Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!! I wish I'd thought of searching for an intro to sanding like this years ago. Very well made, thoughtfully polished and full of valuable info! Excellent tutorial!

[@HTB567]

your puns in this where brilliant

[@libertarian1637]

Those were the 3 grits I was brought up on and all I used for years; now I keep: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, + 320 (Dry) & 400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, + 3000 (Wet/Dry). I do mostly wood but also some metal and stone work. I also keep diamond pads from 50-3000. I find finer finishes happen faster going through the grits then jumping up quickly. Regardless to how you sand sanding never seems to be the most fun part of woodworking but it can play a large role in finishing.

[@MartDorgelo]

Watch out if you're sanding a rough piece by hand! If there's a sharp, long piece, it might go through the sand paper in to your skin! 😳

[@b.g.8373]

Mart Dorgelo not to worry, an open casket should not be a problem

[@Nitecrow314]

That's why I get my gf to do it...

[@kurtiscal3msetccdwell618]

I came here looking for the answer to my question of "Do I need to sand with multiple sand papers?" And you answered it with your 120 Grit point. I'm going to be buying a drum sander soon, the type that looks like a planer, because I do most of my work on board shaped wood as opposed to different shapes. I'll be getting some 120 grit for the machine when I get it.

[@ccccen]

I used a 220 and then a wet 400 and the wood was as soft as passing your hand over glass :)

[@cherylborden2611]

Thanks for the lessons. What grit should I use for a white faux wood bookcase? I'm going to paint it. What grit would I use for wood stairs?