Sanding

[Don L Johnson]

After running a board through the planer, what's a good grit to use to get to a final grit of 220? Would the starting grit be different between using a drum sander and using a ROS? Thanks,

[Spencer Hochstetler]

100, then 150, then 220 works very well. This progression skips 1 grit size between each grit you actually use to get to 220, which I've found is the most efficient way to sand. 80 to 120 to 180 works fine, too.

[Howard Acheson]

If you are using a sharp planer with no nicks in the blade, you should be able to start and finish with 180 grit. For soft woods start at 180 then go to 220. With limited exceptions, you should avoid sanding wood beyond 220 grit or you can have problems with burnishing which causes problems with staining. Always finish by hand sanding with the highest grit you machine sanded with. Mount the paper on a sanding block and sand in the direction of the grain.

If you planer creates ridges because of nicks in the blade, a quick wipe with a scraper will remove them and then you can sand with 180 grit.

[Spencer Hochstetler]

How you will be finishing also makes a difference. I stop at 150 when I paint, but go to 220 for clear finishes. The 100 grit step is quick and it knocks down the blade nick ridges mentioned in Howard's post.