View Full Version : Arbortech Contour Sander causing swirl marks
Bill Winter
09-12-2021, 5:17 PM
I sanded the interior area of this tray with an Arbortech Contour Sander to 220 grit. This is the first time I used this tool. I then stained the work piece. As you can see in the picture there are a lot of swirl marks and "pig tails". Does anyone what caused this? I wiped the work piece with Mineral Spirits prior to staining and none of these marks showed up at that time.464644
Jamie Buxton
09-12-2021, 10:09 PM
Pigtails and swirls are usually scratches from left from coarse grit which you didn't sand out with your progression through finer grits.
Kevin Jenness
09-12-2021, 10:19 PM
Can also be from loose grit left from intermediate sanding steps. Vacuuming between grits can help. I am surprised those didn't show up. Try better raking light for inspection.
Bill Winter
09-13-2021, 7:28 AM
What is a raking light?
Kevin Jenness
09-13-2021, 7:34 AM
Light coming across the workpiece at a flat angle. If you come in the shop early in the morning and look at a poorly sanded piece sitting on a bench by an east window you will get the idea.
Bill Winter
09-16-2021, 8:18 AM
Thanks, Kevin! I purchased a raking light and it revealed imperfections I would have NEVER seen without it.
Jim Becker
09-16-2021, 9:29 AM
Bill, you will find that using the same lamp and technique during finishing will also pay major dividends.
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