Sanding Walnut

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BlackieSmith
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Sanding Walnut

Post by BlackieSmith »

Finishing up turning a bowl and having trouble with the end grain on the walnut. Sanded clear down to 400 grit and still have marks in the end grain. Any advice?
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algale
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by algale »

Down to 400? 400 is a high grit! Try 220 or even 150 or 100 (or lower) to get rid of the marks in the end grain then work your way back up.

By the way, there's lots of tear out in the other, lighter wood, too.
Gale's Law: The bigger the woodworking project, the less the mistakes show in any photo taken far enough away to show the entire project!

BlackieSmith
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by BlackieSmith »

Thanks, I’ll go back to the 80 grit till they’re gone and work back up.
BlackieSmith
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by BlackieSmith »

Thanks, that’s working. Trying to scrape with a bowl gouge isn’t something I’ve mastered yet, or sharpening etc etc.
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edflorence
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by edflorence »

Ambitious project! Couple of other thoughts on the end grain 1) might try a light touch with a cabinet scraper and 2) might try reversing the bowl by chucking it on the outboard spindle and sand in that direction.
Ed
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Hobbyman2
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by Hobbyman2 »

end grain is porous , it would appear that you may be driving dust from the other wood into the pours ? depending on the finish you are going to use and once you get the tool marks out leave it in the chuck and then add linseed oil or what ever and dip your wet sand paper in it start with 200 and move all the way up to 3000 grit allowing drying time between coats , It will really shine it up . JMO
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BlackieSmith
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by BlackieSmith »

Thanks for the good information and advice guys, much appreciated.
SoniaFrazier
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by SoniaFrazier »

I want to ask about the stripes. Are they drawn or natural?papa's pizzeria
Last edited by SoniaFrazier on Thu May 04, 2023 2:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
HenryMateo
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by HenryMateo »

Try wet sanding with 400-grit paper, and then buff the end grain with a soft cotton cloth. This should help get rid of any marks and make the walnut shine like it should.
john_001
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Re: Sanding Walnut

Post by john_001 »

If you imagine the wood to be like a microscopic bundle of straws, no matter how much you sand, the ends of the "straws" will still be exposed. If you want a gloss finish, I think you're going to have to fill the grain, either with wood filler or fine sawdust mixed with finish.
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