[OP]
Member
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.P1010481.jpg
Wood working is like a vicious cycle. The more tools you buy the more you find to buy.
Contributor
Pigtails and swirls are usually scratches from left from coarse grit which you didn't sand out with your progression through finer grits.
Contributor
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.
[OP]
Member
What is a raking light?
Wood working is like a vicious cycle. The more tools you buy the more you find to buy.
Contributor
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.
[OP]
Member
Thanks, Kevin! I purchased a raking light and it revealed imperfections I would have NEVER seen without it.
Wood working is like a vicious cycle. The more tools you buy the more you find to buy.
Moderator
Bill, you will find that using the same lamp and technique during finishing will also pay major dividends.
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The most expensive tool is the one you buy "cheaply" and often...
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