Hand-Sanding Helper
Clogged sandpaper is really a pain, rendering useless your sandpaper and your effort. I was mindlessly sanding a project a while ago when I looked at my pile of discarded paper and had a [...]
Workshop Tips: Duct-Taped Sanding Block
Sometimes I prefer to sand by hand using a rubber block. This method gives me a better feel for the work than using a random-orbit sander does. Blocks like mine have been around for many years, [...]
Sanding Our Past Away: Please Take off Your Shoes
Before I give my students their sandpaper for the first time, I ask them if they have noticed the depressions in the treads of our school’s stone stairs. Most of them have not, so I continue to [...]
Corning and How to Avoid It
What is corning and how do you prevent it from happening? Our finishing expert Bob Flexner tells you how to avoid this common sanding problem.
The Real Reason to Sand and Soften Sharp Edges
Sometime early in your woodworking career you probably learned that you were supposed to sand sharp edges to soften them. What you’re really trying to avoid is “fat edges” when the finish is applied.
Can You Close the Pores in Wood by Sanding with Too Fine a Grit?
Can sanding with very fine-grit sandpaper closes the pores of wood? Bob Flexner investigates this long-standing claim.
Tool Review: Mirka Iridium Abrasives
The new Mirka Iridium abrasive paper has proven to be a workhorse in the Popular Woodworking shop. I’ve used it on several builds and I’ve found myself not dreading sanding quite as much.
Refinishing Kitchen Cabinets with Milk Paint: Pros and Cons
If you want to refinish your kitchen cabinets with milk paint, you should take heed of this advice.
Tool Review: DeWalt DCW210 Sander
The DCW210 5-inch random orbit sander is the latest woodworking tool in DeWalt’s 20-volt MAX cordless line. We gave it a try.
Sand Curves With Ease
Sand Curves With Ease Sanding is one of those necessary evils we all face as woodworkers. That’s why we flock to any tool that promises to make the job easier. Craftsman new Oscillating Spindle [...]
Dual Drum Sander Plus
Dual Drum Sander Plus Want to cut sanding time in half? If you do any kind of production work, the SuperMax 25 x 2 Dual Drum Sander is worth a serious look. Chances are if you’re in the [...]
Rasp? Just Sand It!
Dale Barnard has been building furniture professionally for decades. And during a recent video shoot, it was very comforting to see that I wasn’t the only one breaking the rules on sanding. [...]
