To capture magic dust for repairs and gap-filling, I used to go digging in my vacuum canister or dust-collection bags. That dust was almost always a mix of various species, however, making it a bad match for any one wood. Now I remove the dust bag from my sander, tape on a plastic sandwich bag, and sand a scrap of the wood I’m working with. That quickly delivers a pile of the right stuff. I’ve also discovered that Clear Gorilla Glue (a transparent PVA), mixed with the dust, creates a better-looking repair than other PVA glues. When I’m done I label the bag and save it for later use.

—DAVE WHITING, Townsend, Mass.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #280

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Preppin' Weapon

The Preppin' Weapon allows you to use a 1/4 of a sheet of sandpaper, incredibly comfortable to use, and you can switch out sandpaper easily.

Buy at Amazon

Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

Buy at Amazon

Zissner Seal Coat

Great as a sanding sealer, and as a final finish.

Buy at Amazon