Thread: Observations and request for pointers on hand sanding

Ahhhh grasshopper you ask a difficult question. This is like asking what the meaning of life is. As Rezdog said I go about it differently for each one on a case by case basis. Normally I use either steel wool and WD-40 or 2k wet/dry to knock down the big stuff at the beginning before I decide how to proceed. The synthetic cork works well. Stick with that. I also use a brass tube. It depends on if I am trying to save an.etching or engraving.
On the question of when to go to the next grade I use as a rule of thumb: just before I think I am almost there. As you go through the grades the pits and stains will diminish. I usually don't go as far back as what the article mentions. I usually start at 320. If it is really bad I'll go back to 220 but seldom further than that. I find the grits lower than that leave.too many deep scratches that are very hard to get out as you have discovered. I will go down the grits fairly quickly then go back many times if necessary. I also alternate directions. It makes the scratches.seem not to appear as much.
It looks pretty good but you have discovered the problem. You will find yourself saying "I'm sanding and I can't stop!" You sort.of have to figure it out as you go.how far is enough... hopefully.before.turning it into foil. We've all done it.
Good luck with it and keep us posted.