Years ago I had an older neighbor that was very OCD, he would hear me wood working and come over to see what I was making. His OCD would always kick in aand he would start sanding, and sanding, and sanding.. he wouldn't stop until the wood was as smooth as glass. He would always thank me for letting him help on my project and even started bringing his own sand paper.

Nice video Steve! One of my favorite sanding hacks is, after you sanded the surface of your workpiece with the final grit, take a wet sponge and wet the surface like applying a coat of oil finish. Let it dry and the fibers of the wood that aren´t smooth will rise. Then sand it again with your final grit. This is great for tables and other big surfaces, but also for toys becaus it gives you a really smooth result!

As a sandpaper salesman, I can give a few pointers on technical aspects. There are many different minerals used in the actual abrasive of the sandpaper. Not all sandpapers are equal, some use higher quality minerals, but apart from that here is some info.. For sanding wood, some people still prefer to use the natural garnet, unlike produced minerals it does not fracture to stay sharp, it becomes dull as you use it, which means it will be less effective but produce a smoother finish, if you grab a fresh piece of garnet paper it will be significantly sharper than the other piece. Aluminum Oxide is not the best choice for wood (since it is a metal, you could get mineral fallout into your project), however many people really like it because it is extremely durable and cheap; The small minerals fracture instead of becoming dull, which means it will stay sharp just as long. Its lifespan is usually dependent on the thickness and durability of the paper, also loading can become an issue. Loading is when whatever your sanding gets stuck and trapped on the paper rendering it less useful. You can get non-loading sand paper which is sterrated in a lubricant similar to baby-powder. The best choice for wood is Silicon Carbide (glass). It has the benefits of garnet by not fracturing, and it becomes more dull as it is used, and the lack of durability is not as significant sanding soft materials, like wood and even concrete. It is more expensive but its sharpness will mean much faster results. The sandpaper Steve is using in the video is a commercial grade aluminum oxide sand paper. I would suggest trying a professional grade silicon carbide, you will get much better results. Silicon Carbide also comes in screens (Like the screen on a screen door) which is amazing because anything you sand will come right out of the holes, and since its double sided you can just flip it over if you want a fresh and sharp abrasive.

I think I must just be a weirdo. I enjoy the sanding! It’s like meditation for me. I find it soothing and relaxing for some reason and everyone I tell that too thinks I’m nuts. Also, I love watching how the wood changes as you sand with different grits and becomes more and more gorgeous with each step. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Raise your hand if you love sanding! Yay! It's the best part of making things! (Said no one ever.) But, it's something we have to deal with on almost all woodworking projects. I hope this video will help to minimize the monotony of sanding and simplify the topic. It's actually a pretty big topic and I couldn't cover everything in this video. Help us all out by leaving a comment with any sanding tips you might have!

Hi Steve, I am retired and diving into the wonderful world of wood working. It does benefit me in two ways, keeps my brain ticking as well as keeps my body fit! I was thinking of enrolling into a technical college to learn about wood working, but then I found your videos. They are fantastic. I found your videos and many others on the youtube very informative and educational, especially yours. How do you manage to keep your smile all the time while talking about the nitty gritty. Please keep videoing more and more. Thanks mate-Sam from Sydney Australia (But one thing I need to flag is that most of the videos I find in youtube are from USA and the measurements are in imperial-inch-feet-whereas I am used to metric measurement).

One tip for the random orbit sander I learned while working at a woodworking shop, is to hold it by the base, not the top, the control you get will bring your sanding game to the next level. I know this because of the countless hours I spent using Nothing but a random orbit sander(and a 1/4 sheet pad sander) . Otherwise, everything els is spot on! I really appreciate your videos, they are always so funny, and enjoyable to watch, but above all els make me feel welcome into the woodworking community, and inspired to see what I can make.

If you're applying anything that soaks into the wood (oil or otherwise) then you want to sand to at least 220. Stain is the common thing that comes to mind. Sanding to a finer grit goes a long, long way to making sure stain absorbs evenly. Sanding to only 120 grit is a recipe for blotch, streaks, and visible scratches in a stained or dyed project.

I learn more in your short videos than I do in hours of watching others. Short, sharp to the point and entertaining at the same time. Thank you for your effort.

As a painter, I actually really love sanding. It's long and tedious, but is one of the most important parts of paint prep. I like seeing the old rough substrate become new and young again before I even put product on it. Good vid steve!

Thank you, thank you, thank you for simplifying sanding. I can't thank you enough. I enjoy your humor

I just found you and your videos are EXCELLENT! I am a beginner in woodworking, and I have yet to find someone with clearly stated, concise information, without too much nonsense or technical speak. It's hard to learn, when everyone wants to speak in code or assume that you already know this or that. You also start with basic fundamentals, without treating the viewer like a 3 year old. Thank you very much.

Good one Steve! You have a gift for explaining things in a concise way with some clever comments thrown in for entertainment!

Hi Steve, just the upside down belt sander mounting tip was worth watching this entire video for! This is an excellent presentation - sharpening wood chisels with a sander? Yes, please! You have a new sub... that's right, I'm just "one in a million" I look forward to many more coffee breaks spend learning your woodworking techniques and tips. THANK YOU

I have watched a LOT of KZfaq help and informational videos - Steve is the most straight forward and highly informative person I have seen! Simple, Truthful, Informative and down home FUN to watch! All 5 Stars - Great Job!!

Perhaps I am one of the few .. or the only one .. that actually likes sanding. Here's why: I have to put in the effort of course, but I love feeling the results of starting off with a rough surface and little by little (sometimes quickly depending on the grit), it turns into a smooth, splinter free surface .. for me, that's very rewarding. Perhaps it's a tactile thing. Thank you Steve for your straight-to-the-point tips on sanding! BTW - worth mentioning is the little Mouse Sander. My Craftsman mouse sander has held up like a champ over MANY projects, and still beats on. That sharp point it comes to also helps get into those tight spots. Thanks again!

If you mount your belt sander upside down as you show in the video, you can use the curved area of the belt to sand inside curves. Thanks for the information. Very good video.

I enjoy your videos so much. Lots of info and humor to boot. Never a dull moment like so many out there. I don't know who your videographer is but they get 2 thumbs up, too.

Have been watching your videos sporadically over the last 3 months and I'm learning so much from you! Being a newbie to woodworking I've been needing concise, straightforward and well explained tips and demonstrations to get me started quickly. I've found your tutorials to be the best. I'm sure they've been helping many other people out there as well, so thank you for doing what you do, Steve! :)

Steve, I am very much a beginner and I haven't even got a lot of powertools (I have asked them for my birthday coming up in July!). I have been gathering some projects I'd like to do and am learning as much as possible before I can start. Each time I have a very specific question in mind, I end up clicking on your videos without realizing I'm doing so. Thanks so much for giving so much info! I feel like once I get started I'll know a lot. I'm starting with refinishing some nightstands today so this sanding info is very welcome :)

This "Basics" series is a good idea. I've always thought that if you can learn to do the basics of any skill really well, then you'll be able to do more complicated stuff easily. Good content, good channel, good all around.

I back my sandpaper with duct tape, it holds together longer to get the most use out of it. I used to use cheap-o sand paper, but I bought and tried some of that tan sand paper available at lowes, I don't recall the brand off hand, it's got an anti loading coating so the saw dust doesn't clog as quickly. And for sure, that anti clog works, I get about 10X the use on the lath, and about 2-4x use by hand. That's with duct tape backing, which already doubles or triples the life of sandpaper.

Hey Steve, Abe here, . just wanted to say Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. thanks for the education. I am more of an Industrial Electro-Mechanical guy. ( PLC'S and industrial machinery repair) However when my 1st son was born my wife wanted to spend all kinds of money on curtains and He-Man Sheets and spreads for my sons room. They prices were crazy. I said to hell with that. I work with all kinds of hand tools in the industry. I Bought the HE-Man comforter and the He-Man fitted Sheet for his mattress. Then I bought I think I bought 6, matching He-Man Flat sheets. I figured, If I can operate industrial tools. Hell, I can operate a Sewing machine too. I went out and bought myself a $200. Brother Sewing machine.and with the Flat sheets I put hems and sleeves on the top and made Curtains out of them for his room I also made HE- Man pillow cases as well. That sewing machine has saved me a small fortune on all kinds of stuff. its one of those tools You made not need it all the time. but when you do its there. I have made valences for the house each one if purchased would have cost me hundreds a piece. With my sewing machine and my Jig saw. I saved Big bucks there. Heres where you come in Steve. I Know and can figure out how to do anything I put my mind too. I just figure it out. Except as a result of not knowing the "Basics / Theory " it"s a cognitive lesson. Being a mechanical kind of guy. I was able to become A Respiratory Therapist and eventually a Clinical instructor for students. I teach them them the electro- physio aspect of the human Body from a mechanical sense.( Ie) Nuerons are in essence electrical conductors "Wires" and just like an electrical conductor in the wall it has insulation. (Myelin sheath, Insulation ) The Heart is a 4 chamber pump. Negative and positive pressures. the kidneys. A filter. etc. Now I am doing the same with wood working I have those tools I am a Tool Guy. Thank you for your time and the basics. Semper FI.

Just going back and rewatching some of the BASICS series. REALLY good stuff. So easy to grasp, and makes woodworking accessible to everyone. Thanks for these, Steve

just watched 40+ youtube sanding videos but this is easily the best. seems to provide all basic knowledge for general woodwork sanding

Please make a basics video covering different finishes - oils, polyurethane, etc.

I purchased a random sander, and it works well. Thanks Steve for you're insight on woodworking stuff.

Not only does the presenter know his craft well, he is also an awesome communicator and articulates the content in a pragmatic and helpful way along with valuable tips.

Only you can make a video about sanding seem interesting Steve

Love your videos. You are just so crazy "at times". Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and love to see more informative videos from you. Take care.

I work in a woodworking shop and my job is basically sanding:P so it's not that bad. But my tip for sanding ny hand, as I mostly do, is to wear a glove or even wrap masking tape on your fingers to stop the sandpaper from damaging your skin. If u don't you will find that your fingertips are barely skin covered only after a day of sanding and then you can't hold stuff in your hand and it will take at least a week for the tissue to regenerate. Hope that helps and thank you so much Steve for your time and effort into these videos. Your a strong reason why I can call myself a professional woodworker, peace:)

As a total beginner in DIY wood working, I really appreciate and learn a lot from your videos. Looking forward to your next videos, thanks for sharing

When your vid starts and then the micro jig ad cuts in, it cracks me up every time 🤣👍

When you've sanded something wipe over it with a damp rag, let it dry and then sand it again. Smooth as a baby's bottom.

Thanks Steve - I'm so glad to have found you. Humour and a mine of information, wonderful.

Looking at getting into woodworking for various diy projects I have in mind: Motivated by memories of my late father's handiwork, and things he's made for me and my family, I'm hoping to make some nice things that I or loved ones can enjoy and use for a long time. Your videos are engaging, entertaining and very informative from a number I have browsed before stumbling on you; I also love your humour. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and beautiful, brilliant mind.

Please make a video comparing racing sanders. I would like to buy the fastest one.

My favorite sanding tip is to get some one else to do it...

Thank you so much for your advice on sanding. You answered all of my questions. Your videos are great, precise , concise and informative and delivered with humour.

i love how you show different examples of each one and how to use them, im trying to remove a clear finish off of a wood toy chest so that i can stain it darker, and i have no idea what i’m doing but this helps so much

I always knew you had True Grit Steve. This video just proves it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH. love these educational videos about tools , KEEP THEM COMING.

I appreciate your style: very practical, straight forward, not too technical. Thanks.

WOW who would have guessed there were so many sanders. Thank you very much for this video. Excellent tips.

Still loving your stuff, man. I remember when you got the oscillating sander, the table saw, etc. Nice that you brought it up. Also, can we have a more detailed, updated video on finishing? What types for what woods, when to sand and when not, etc?

love the "Basics" series great info for people just getting started! or even people who have been doing it for years!

You just gave me 100s of ideals with that band sander. Plan on gluing some sandpaper to my saw-table/ on the side of the blade and go from there. Thanks so much

Good videos. I've not mess around with hand tools much so these are informative to us amateurs.

I actually like sanding. I just love getting that finish on rough cut wood.

Let's see if I have this correctly 60-80 = Basic material removal 120 = Beginning of the smoothing process 220+ = Final grit for Smoothing

You just showed me the light i really had a confuse decision between those sanders levels and you explained it on the spot for me , thank you very much to you sir ill keep watching this amazing channel of yours

i loved sanding, I always hand sanded for me, I hand sanded all my woodwork on my Sailboat, I had that sailboat looking like a millionaire owned it, I did it all, cabinets, floor, and the finish when I was done... so professional, only hand tools for me, I knew every curve of that boat. many compliments. sadly my fingers are broken down and worn, have to use power tools now and even then my grip is so bad.

One little bit of advice random orbit sanders that I would add is to NOT start, or stop, them when they are in contact with your work piece. This tends to leave swirls that will require additional sanding.

Super cool tips!

I've used the ½", ⅜" and ¼" sanding bands on drum mandrels with a ⅛" shank for over forty-five years - since saving up my weekly allowance (i.e. coins and small bills I surreptitiously purloined from my parents' pockets and purses as recompense for my pain and suffering) to buy the Dremel® Moto-Tool® Model 370, which cost me $49.95 at Longman's Hobbicraft in Tempe, Arizona in the early 1970s. It never occurred to me that similar sanding drum bits with ¼" shanks for use with ordinary power drills might also be available, nor had I ever seen them for sale at a hardware store or online. _Excellent!_ Now I know. Thanks for the tip, Steve.

I sand the wood with 120 grit then use a Wipe-On Polyurethane to five layers (these are thin due to the wiping). Then finish the poly with 1000,1500, 2000, 3000, and 4000 Grit Cushioned Abrasive Pads on an random orbital sander and end with Meguiars Ultimate Compound for a great finish. Great job Steve.

An alternative to a spindle sander is to get an old small hole saw, and glue a piece of sand paper (cut to size) to the outside of it

I'm cracking up over here! "For racing..." Classic!

Great video! I agree with everything you said except one thing, I keep 80 grit, 120 grit and 240 grit paper in my workshop. The 240 gives a slightly smoother finish than the 220 grit you recommend but it is marginal! Very useful tips about sanders too, thanks for a great watch!

I am a new woodworker. Because of this video of Steve, I bought a dewalt orbital sander. But while working, I found that a belt sander is more useful at this moment because of some errors brought by the fact that I am neophyte. I found the random orbital sander useless in flattening 2 millimeters of error in a table top. You will spend at least half an hour to flatten it. But when I bought a belt sander, the work becomes easy. I think it depends upon the skills, the need and the type of tools also in the shop. On my part, I am using a jobsite table saw and not all are flatten well that is why I use belt sander. If you are newbie or you do not have a machine possessed of precision, it is not advisable to prioritize random orbital sander. Go first to belt sander.

Aw man. I love sanding

Steve, any tips on how to know its time to change the sanding disk, so you won't risk damaging the orbital sander, but still maximize the life of the disk?

Researching how to sand and refinish a kitchen table. Still watching your videos. Love the California cutout in the background on your wall!

All information revealed to expected learners.Ur sincere efforts r appreciated.Thnks.

Great info, thank you

i kinda want a basics fo clamping i have like 9 clamps but some of them just sit around and i wish i knew what they were specifically for

After removing six layers of paint from kitchen counters, I've just learned that I've wasted about six hours following up 220 grit with 320 grit. I'm going to re-paint and I'm glad I watched this today, because it saved me the next 6 to 8 hours I had planned with the 320. Thanks!

Good video! I sand floors for a living and can confirm these grits make up 95% of my projects. In my experience if done right 120 grit it usually good enough and scratches aren’t visible(unless I’m staining then that’s another story).

Did you have a bad day Steve? You seem rather abrasive, lol

I find i get better results with less work if i only go up 60 grit at a time. Most of the time starting at 120, then 180, then 240 and when i feel like it 300 +, i use 60 to remove material.

"... and by everybody's I mean no one's." Speak for yourself! I don't even have power-tools, so have to sand everything by hand, and I love it! It is such a satisfying job, getting rid of imperfections, feeling everything getting smoother and smoother with each new grit.

Ah, your videos are just the best. Every single question I have, I look it up and you already have it answered. People like are what makes KZfaq.

funny and knowledgeable! Great combination! Great Videos!

One thing I do is to lightly scribble a pencil around the surface of the item i am sanding, that way when the pencil marks are gone, I know I have sanded the surface. This is especially helpful after inspection and I see areas I need to go back to.

I am going to get a sander soon and thank you for educating me all types of sanding!

I'm a total newbie to home maintenance. Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!! I wish I'd thought of searching for an intro to sanding like this years ago. Very well made, thoughtfully polished and full of valuable info! Excellent tutorial!

That fine sawdust should be kept then mixed with white PVA glue which dries transparent, but is excellent for hiding small holes etc even splits.

i really love sanding, no clue why

An enjoyable blast from the past and many useful reminders. Thanks.

What a fun video. I was really looking for a tutorial on palm sanding. I couldn't turn the video off because this guy is so likeable.

I cut a dowel on my lathe and glue the sandpaper to it for sanding curved pieces.

Steve, what is the best grit to use for racing?

Those were the 3 grits I was brought up on and all I used for years; now I keep: 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, + 320 (Dry) & 400, 600, 1000, 1500, 2000, + 3000 (Wet/Dry). I do mostly wood but also some metal and stone work. I also keep diamond pads from 50-3000. I find finer finishes happen faster going through the grits then jumping up quickly. Regardless to how you sand sanding never seems to be the most fun part of woodworking but it can play a large role in finishing.

I don't think I've ever laughed out loud during a wood working video, but you've got me a bunch of times, Steve. Thanks!

What is the difference between one hand and two hand random orbital sanders? Just the handling or is there more at?

"That just scratches the surface... HA!" :D

Thank you so much, professional of the wood!, I think that with your valuable advice on what types of abrasive paper to use, you have clarified a lot of doubts I had about it! This video is the best explanation I found looking for on youtube and on the web in general. warm greeting from Italy!

I hate sanding, but loved your video Steve. I'm still new to woodworking, but trying to learn wherever I can. Time to stock up on 80, 120, and 220 grit sandpaper. I had my eye on a Makita random orbit sander for a while. All my other power tools are 18v LTX Makitas, and have been happy with them for the last few years. Why change brands when they all work as needed! Thanks for sharing. Knowledge is power.

The Belt sander part made me laugh! Or you could race them!! wow

6:06 :D wow.. amazing!

dang it is super rare to find such rapid, quality, and informative content. Great job!

I find it weird that so many people don’t like sanding… for me, this is the best part 🤣

Sanding? It really makes me sad because it reminds me of my ex-girlfriend, Sandy...After she left me, I burned all my tools and wood...but that only remindid me of my earlier ex-girlfriend, Ashley...

your puns in this where brilliant

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I so appreciate it!

Just getting into woodworking and I actually love this channel!!!

will 80 grit for a power sander take care of splinerty pallet wood?

I don’t watch you enough to expect your micro jig intro

I LIKE THE WAY YOU EXPLAIN THING AND MOST OF ALL BEING HONEST ABOUT THE THINGS YOU DO.

Just getting started in the past few months, and I found out on my own that those three sandpaper grits were definitely the best. I recently flattened a live edge slab with a router sled. The 80 grit with orbital sander definitely got rid of the "tracks" left by the router bit. The 120 and 220 brought the slab smoothness out to a point where applying polyurethane (that is, after using some tack cloth) brought out the absolute smoothness I was looking for..