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A couple of minor wood splints, what's best way to get rid of them?
rdowdy95:
Thanks Drew,
I did get some stainable woodfiller. Hey it does look nice on the bottom, but only prob is there is some minor crack on the bottom that I couldn't live with. I am going to try to do the wood putty trick and see what it does. You know what after I had this piece cut out I actually took some sandpaper and sanded the birch panel top some, and it left some scratch marks on the birch ply. Should I even sand the birch when I am done cutting, cause it is pretty smooth anyway. So I should only sand say like the sides of this stuff, and not the actual birch side? Will these scratch marks go away after I stain the control panel top? I still have more room on another sheet for another control panel if I can't get it the way I want it.
DrewKaree:
--- Quote from: rdowdy95 on July 18, 2006, 02:27:37 pm ---
I actually took some sandpaper and sanded the birch panel top some, and it left some scratch marks on the birch ply. Should I even sand the birch when I am done cutting, cause it is pretty smooth anyway. So I should only sand say like the sides of this stuff, and not the actual birch side? Will these scratch marks go away after I stain the control panel top?
--- End quote ---
If you're sanding this by hand, and not using a sander, then you have to go with the grain when sanding. You probably went across the grain which is why the marks are so noticeable to you. Another possible reason they might show up so noticeably is the grit of sandpaper you're using. You need to be using 200 grit or higher (the lower the number the coarser the grit, and the deeper the marks will be, making them more noticeable). If you're fine with 200 grit, then you're done, otherwise do another sanding with a higher grit.
If you're doing this by hand, it will get tedious and tiresome VERY quickly, like within 10 minutes, and you'll be tempted to just leave it the way you got it from the store. Don't. Take the time to sand everything at least once just to make sure you're going to give yourself the best possible chance for a nice application of your finish. One thing you SHOULD do if you're doing this by hand is to get and use a sanding block. It'll be a lot better than your hand, and will give you better results (for this purpose, anyway).
If you want to buy a sander, buy a RANDOM ORBIT SANDER. The box should state it, otherwise it's NOT a random orbit sander. You should be able to find one for about $30 for a cheap one (mebbe cheaper, but that should be a decent starting point). Again, start with 200 grit and move upwards if you desire a nicer and smoother finish.
rdowdy95:
I do have one of those sanders. The oribital one by Ryobi. So I need to go with the grain. I think I was doing left and right when I should of been going up and down? How do I know which way is going with the grain. Also when using the sander do I do the wax on wax off approach like in a circle or up and down with the sander. Also by sanding it the right way with the high grit will it make the scratches go away? Sorry for all the questions I am a noob at carpentry.
DrewKaree:
--- Quote from: rdowdy95 on July 18, 2006, 05:29:35 pm ---I do have one of those sanders. The oribital one by Ryobi. So I need to go with the grain. I think I was doing left and right when I should of been going up and down? How do I know which way is going with the grain. Also when using the sander do I do the wax on wax off approach like in a circle or up and down with the sander. Also by sanding it the right way with the high grit will it make the scratches go away? Sorry for all the questions I am a noob at carpentry.
--- End quote ---
The best way I can describe grain is that it looks like "lines" on your wood. If it's a RANDOM orbit sander, it won't make a difference (although it's a good habit to get into) if you're going with the grain. That's what the finer and finer grits of sandpaper eliminate.
If you sand it the "right" way with a higher grit, it SHOULD make it go away. What grit did you start with?
rdowdy95:
I am not home to tell, but I think it was something in the 100's. I think it said medium grit.
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