Replies

1. 
   jgaiennie | Feb 05, 2003 09:10pm | #1

   Sanding thru the various grits?

   Depends on how particular you are in your finished look.  From my experience, and from what I've read, I find that the easiest way to sand is to proceed thru the various grits from coarse to fine with the smallest grit changes possible. Every time I get a bit "lazy" and don't step thru the grits properly, I can invariably look at the finished product and see that I short cutted the sanding process.  I find that it doesn't take much effort with each grit, and actually less effort for the whole process than skipping grits, so I'm not really sure if it's lazy, or digressing to stupidity.  I don't remember who's work I was reading but read once that if you skip grits, what you'll get is well sanded grooves from the previous courser grit. In my opinion, you can definitely sand those out, but only with extended effort.  I'm reluctant to admit it for fear of rejection -LOL, but I usually wrap up initial sanding with 220.  I recognize that I need to go further to a finer grit than that before I can submit any finishes as "excellent".  Until recently I've used finer grits only between coats.  When I look closely at some of that work, I see very small, yet detectable, imperfections in sanding.

   >> Drill for hinges prior or after finishing? 

   You run the risk of damaging your finish on both faces of the door, if you drill after finishing.

   jdg

1. 
   MikeK50 | Feb 08, 2003 02:34am | #4

   I agree with jdg.  I sometimes skip every other grit when the project is not intended to be an heirloom, but I often find myself kicking myself in the butt.  You will find that your actual sanding time will be less if yu methodically go throuh each grit and you will certainly have a smoother, more even surface.

   Mike

2. 
   notDusty | Feb 06, 2003 04:59am | #2

            I always sand the same whether it is ti be a stained finish or a clear finish , it is a matter of work ethics and pride at least for me . Boring for the hinges before finishing is safer in the long run.

                 good luck

          

    

        

1. 
   vincent843 | Feb 07, 2003 08:18pm | #3

   Hi,

   It's took me a while to search for my message and realized that I have post in the tools section.  Anyway, I like to thank to all of you.  vn.

3. 
   artw | Feb 08, 2003 08:38am | #5

   I teach woodworking and I always tell my students to use 3 grits, (60 or 80, 100, and 150). About 60 to 70 percent of your time will be spent with the course. The medium and fine finishes the job. It is hard to get the kids to put in the time on sanding. I also know that if you build a project  perfectly but do not sand properly, the project does not look anywhere near as good as it could.

   Take the time to sand.   Good luck with your project.

   Ken

4. 
   noone51 | Feb 08, 2003 08:45am | #6

   First. drill the holes for the hinges. Then sand but I have to ask why you need to start at 80  grit. Can you provide some info on the wood that you are using for the doors?

5. 
   biosf1 | Feb 09, 2003 03:44am | #7

   By now you should have this question answered but I 'll put in my 2 cents.

   I'm a professional furniture builder and it might depend on what equipment  and what kind of sander your using, I don't always go through every grit as recommended. But I have a 18" woodmaster surface plainer that changes to a drum sander, Even though it gets the surface sanded even and the last pass I use 150 grit on almost everything and then I use 150 again on the orbital sander,then with 220 on the final pass ,JUST BEFORE I SPRAY THE FINISH. And AFTER ALL machining is done.