Replies

1. 
   user-148830 | May 08, 2008 08:28pm | #1

   Chris,
   I sand as little as I can so that changing dimensions is not an issue. But I do sand as much as I can before gluing. I find this easier to do on separate pieces. It's also easier to get into corners with things apart. I start by planing or scraping the mill marks off the wood, then I start hand sanding at 220 grit. It makes for a short job.

   But if you don't have the skills yet for scraping or for planing, I suggest starting to practice because it's such a time saver. Starting your sanding at 80 grit does remove a lot of wood and you can seriously change dimensions on pieces.

   As to your drawers, I do some light sanding on the edges of the drawer sides but not to the same degree as my drawer face. I plane and sand the drawer face to 220 grit. The rest of the drawer I hand plane and live with any small imperfections like tear-out on the drawer sides or inside the drawer. I used to sand everything, including the drawer side ends. Insanity! Give yourself a break and plane more, sand less. If your plane is sharp, the surface will be smoother than hand sanding anyway. Good luck. Gary

1. 
   chrislac | May 13, 2008 05:19pm | #2

   Gary,

   I tried your suggestion and it works really well.  Still trying to get the scraper sharpened properly but I'm getting there. Do you normally mill the pieces a little oversized to accomodate planing and sanding?

    

   Thanks again for your help

   Chris

1. 
   user-148830 | May 13, 2008 06:27pm | #3

   Hey Chris,
   Yeah I mill oversize but just by a 1/32" or less. The scraper will be your friend once you get the hang of sharpening it. I put my mill file in the vise and pass the scraper by it. This makes truing the edge pretty easy. Then run the scraper edge on some diamond stones or sand paper to clean up the file marks. The last step is with the burnisher. Just put a light hook on it at first and see how you like the results. Good luck. Gary