Pro tip: get a card/cabinet scraper for finishing off flat surfaces that will need no sanding. Not for every job, but for the right job, they're a huge time saver.
Consider using Mirka Interface pads. They're on the high end price, but they'll last you a good 12 bodies before wearing the foam. For sanding pads, Diablo mesh pads (available at home depot) won't ever leave scratch marks, and they adapt to all the body contours along with the foam. 🤙
I have Dewalt and Craftsman that I've had for years, but a few years ago got into Ridgid as I believe they are the best value for money and have the best warranty, period (as long as you go online immediately and register them!).
Dude, check out the Makita hand sander. We have been using this arraying the edges on glass. Every glass shop in the universe has one or two. Also a stand up arraying machine as well. Nothing finer. All available is cork belts for polishing edges. Both hand and stand up machines have them. Great stuff. Cheers and thanks for showing us your tips of the trade. Cheers from Canada
Could you do a guide on what grit paper to use for what job? Like you said 40 grit to remove material, but what to use to remove finish and other jobs. Thanks for the great, accessible content!
I found these sand paper cones at my job and grabbed a handful. They don't fit perfectly onto a dremel bit, but if you glue them on, they work perfectly. It's good for shaping the guitar and hard to reach spaces. They even come in different grits as well.
Excellent video about what tools to use for what job. I own many of your suggested tools Dan. Since day 1, you have made MANY great suggestions about this very thing. Heck, I'm better at fixing & upgrading guitars because of this channel. You've always said: "spend less- play more." How can you go wrong with that? Stay safe brutha!
I used a random orbital sander on my latest build. To me, the biggest benefit over hand sanding it the dust containment - not only for my health, but also for the entire workshop!
Check out Kovax's Super Assilex and Super Buflex. It's expensive, but lasts a long time - I'm still on my first sheet of each grit after doing 5 guitars. I know it sounds insane, but using this stuff makes sanding actually fun. Oh, and forget wet sanding - with this it's all dry, and amazing. They don't know me, I'm not a shill, it's just that darn good.
Dan, I share the same issue. I dislike sanding with a passion. Thankfully, i bought an orbital sander, and it makes life so much easier, I came from a sanding mouse attachment for a drill that didn’t do the job. At least I can be more productive sanding.
Another great video with great recommendations. I'm going to give the sanding discs a try but I will always finish with a light hand sanding just make sure everything feels right and looks as good as I can make it.
Truly appreciate this video! I've actually been considering the Wen sander for a little while but I was on the fence. Definitely going for it. DESPISE sanding!
Well, I've got a DeWalt orbital, although it's cordless, it still works well. And I agree the pads are great. I've got the finger sander... I just need to open up the box and actually use it. This is a good reminder, as I'm kinda down onto the sanding part of the latest project. The big boy sanders, well, not yet, but maybe soon. I've also considered some stationary disc and belt sanders, but it's true that that might leave more tool marks. 3m is very good sandpaper, and it's generally worth the cost. Even if my nephew works for 3M. :) Well, I guess back to the basement to sand.
Another problem I have personally found out about cheaper sandpaper belts is that if you buy a quantity pack that you want to last you a few years. When you finally get around to them, it seems the glue rots and the belt just fall apart. So pissed me off! Ebay belts suck! If I do buy any off ebay now, It's because I cannot find what I need quickly and I'll only get a few to get me by until I can get better belts.
Woodworkers skills have drastically changed, planing and scraping helps to lessen the amount of sanding. what can one expect when people with no training or experience in proper woodworking and are limited to home depot, Lowes, harbor freight and amazon to get their tools...that's called a hobbyists not a craftsman. Same goes for applying finishes. A guitar Luther is a maker, they understand wood, weather, expansion contraction joining, etc. etc.
I do agree that the orbital sander is one of the greatest inventions besides the cordless drill/drivers. I think you do good work however I don't overly agree on encouraging people to use cheap tools to do good work unless of course one is experienced enough to know how to make something do in a pinch. Of course encouraging people to try woodworking if they haven't before can be rewarding for the person and open up a whole new world of joy....long as they don't cut off a finger or worse. Lol I like your bass design..the behemoth I mean, very nice, don't care for the finishes much but that's just personal preferences, your guitars look good, not certain of long term durability but perhaps you could do a video of that subject. God bless you and your family in Jesus name.
Sell guitars unsanded, apart from the fretboard. But not like the other kits where they sell it for the same price has finished. I don't mind doing my own sanding and finishing for 50% off price
Bro. I still love that you consider a $200 shop tool to be a decidedly expensive investment... Your view on finance rings true with the every-man (or is that the 'family-man'?). I love good tools, but there are far more important things on my budget.
Do you find that you actually use the adj speed on the finger sander? HF has a version with more power and non adj speed for about the same price - of course its heavier as well. I guess you never lack for power on that WEN sander or you wouldnt be recommending it ?...
Yes I definitely use the adjustable speed. I usually run it on 1 for most jobs unless I really need to remove a lot of material, then I might bump it up to 3 or 4. Never feel like it needs more power than that.
also...please stop sanding bare woods finer than 320 grit... damp/wet wiping wood, letting it dry and then 320 for a second time is more valuable. pushing down on a sander is bad....it cloggs 10x....clogs leave scratches. trimming the/a backing pad so its smaller than the sand paper helps with grooves and ridges. let finishes dry fully....wetsand with lots of/way too much water
@@GunsandGuitars Thanks for getting back to me. I checked, it's a Porter Cable 340 - Orbital Sander. Do you think it being square would make a difference in what you displayed?
Mirka Sander's are the top sanding tools on the market.. Not cheap..$$$ but built to perform and our Quiet.. whether you use pneumatic or electric.. I use pneumatic because they're more powerful.. but the electric Mirka is no slouch though just more money..
Pro tip: get a card/cabinet scraper for finishing off flat surfaces that will need no sanding. Not for every job, but for the right job, they're a huge time saver.
Consider using Mirka Interface pads. They're on the high end price, but they'll last you a good 12 bodies before wearing the foam.
For sanding pads, Diablo mesh pads (available at home depot) won't ever leave scratch marks, and they adapt to all the body contours along with the foam. 🤙
I have Dewalt and Craftsman that I've had for years, but a few years ago got into Ridgid as I believe they are the best value for money and have the best warranty, period (as long as you go online immediately and register them!).
Ryobi is good too all their tools have a 3 year warranty. Rigid and Ryobi are actually made in the same factory over seas
Thanks for the shout out Dan! I’ll be getting those sponge pads for orbital sanders 👍
Your finger sander recommendation was life changing. I owe you a life debt 😂
@@GunsandGuitars I’ll take that one day! 😂
Dude, check out the Makita hand sander. We have been using this arraying the edges on glass. Every glass shop in the universe has one or two. Also a stand up arraying machine as well. Nothing finer. All available is cork belts for polishing edges. Both hand and stand up machines have them. Great stuff. Cheers and thanks for showing us your tips of the trade. Cheers from Canada
Could you do a guide on what grit paper to use for what job? Like you said 40 grit to remove material, but what to use to remove finish and other jobs. Thanks for the great, accessible content!
I found these sand paper cones at my job and grabbed a handful. They don't fit perfectly onto a dremel bit, but if you glue them on, they work perfectly. It's good for shaping the guitar and hard to reach spaces. They even come in different grits as well.
Excellent video about what tools to use for what job.
I own many of your suggested tools Dan. Since day 1,
you have made MANY great suggestions about this
very thing. Heck, I'm better at fixing & upgrading guitars
because of this channel. You've always said: "spend less-
play more." How can you go wrong with that? Stay safe
brutha!
That finger sander is sick! Definitely picking one of those up. Thanks, Dan!
Check out the one Makita sells. Expensive but lasts a life time.
I used a random orbital sander on my latest build. To me, the biggest benefit over hand sanding it the dust containment - not only for my health, but also for the entire workshop!
hook up a shop vac and it gets even better... :)
@@markthomas3853 That's what I do.
Check out Kovax's Super Assilex and Super Buflex. It's expensive, but lasts a long time - I'm still on my first sheet of each grit after doing 5 guitars. I know it sounds insane, but using this stuff makes sanding actually fun. Oh, and forget wet sanding - with this it's all dry, and amazing. They don't know me, I'm not a shill, it's just that darn good.
Dan, I share the same issue. I dislike sanding with a passion. Thankfully, i bought an orbital sander, and it makes life so much easier, I came from a sanding mouse attachment for a drill that didn’t do the job. At least I can be more productive sanding.
Another great video with great recommendations. I'm going to give the sanding discs a try but I will always finish with a light hand sanding just make sure everything feels right and looks as good as I can make it.
Just ordered that 1/2 inch sander was in need of one today doing a bass!! Thanks
Truly appreciate this video! I've actually been considering the Wen sander for a little while but I was on the fence. Definitely going for it. DESPISE sanding!
I have a Ridgid ROS hooked up to a Ridgid Shop Vac. The dream team for sanding guitar bodies.
published exactly when I was looking for this. awesome!!!!!
Well, I've got a DeWalt orbital, although it's cordless, it still works well. And I agree the pads are great. I've got the finger sander... I just need to open up the box and actually use it. This is a good reminder, as I'm kinda down onto the sanding part of the latest project.
The big boy sanders, well, not yet, but maybe soon. I've also considered some stationary disc and belt sanders, but it's true that that might leave more tool marks.
3m is very good sandpaper, and it's generally worth the cost. Even if my nephew works for 3M. :)
Well, I guess back to the basement to sand.
Rigid brand has lifetime warranty. I have the same sander. Love it.
I fully agree with your suggestions Dan! Value for money rules!
Another problem I have personally found out about cheaper sandpaper belts is that if you buy a quantity pack that you want to last you a few years. When you finally get around to them, it seems the glue rots and the belt just fall apart. So pissed me off! Ebay belts suck! If I do buy any off ebay now, It's because I cannot find what I need quickly and I'll only get a few to get me by until I can get better belts.
You may be interested in the Rockler Sanding Bow. I use it for round area: neck..roundover edges...
I’ll have a look, thanks for the suggestion!
I have been wanting to get a finger sander for a while.
I have a belt/disc sander AND an oscillating spindle (no belt option) and I plan to sell them and get what you've got.
Woodworkers skills have drastically changed, planing and scraping helps to lessen the amount of sanding. what can one expect when people with no training or experience in proper woodworking and are limited to home depot, Lowes, harbor freight and amazon to get their tools...that's called a hobbyists not a craftsman. Same goes for applying finishes. A guitar Luther is a maker, they understand wood, weather, expansion contraction joining, etc. etc.
I do agree that the orbital sander is one of the greatest inventions besides the cordless drill/drivers. I think you do good work however I don't overly agree on encouraging people to use cheap tools to do good work unless of course one is experienced enough to know how to make something do in a pinch. Of course encouraging people to try woodworking if they haven't before can be rewarding for the person and open up a whole new world of joy....long as they don't cut off a finger or worse. Lol
I like your bass design..the behemoth I mean, very nice, don't care for the finishes much but that's just personal preferences, your guitars look good, not certain of long term durability but perhaps you could do a video of that subject. God bless you and your family in Jesus name.
Anyone who loves to sand is a masochist! Sanding tools let you get back to completing your project quickly.
Awesome video, it has to be you Who help me again, thanks bro!
Awesome tips... thanks brother !!!
You are my GUITAR GURU!!!!
Sell guitars unsanded, apart from the fretboard. But not like the other kits where they sell it for the same price has finished. I don't mind doing my own sanding and finishing for 50% off price
I have a Braun battery powered version that I totally love.
After seeing this video I went to amazon and ordered a finger sander and 18 different grit belts.
Very useful info, thank you!
I see you and I got the gray Henley shirt memo.
Bro. I still love that you consider a $200 shop tool to be a decidedly expensive investment... Your view on finance rings true with the every-man (or is that the 'family-man'?). I love good tools, but there are far more important things on my budget.
Preach! 🙌
3M Xtract Cubitron sanding mesh removes material so fast it is well worth the expense.
You would make a great tool salesman. I also now have an excuse for the wife to go on a tool shopping spree.🤣
I usually use the sanding pads from my orbital sander for hand sanding instead of sheets. The sheet stuff always rips!
Gator works better than Diablo - I bought Diablo for my adhesive-style orbital sander and they are terrible. Gator’s adhesive is consistently better.
Hey Dan, I'm watching that show on Netflix about stalkers and there's a guy on there named Dan Thomson lol
excellent video !!!
What a useful video! Thanks a million, Dan.
Dan sell us the wiring diagram for your new personal bass.
Do you have any tips for removing finish from a guitar? I'm going to be refinishing mine soon
Wonder if they make dual lock interface pads and backing
We used to hate sanding :)
Man do you do Elect Guitar Setups? if yes, how can I contact you? and where are u located? thanks!
Do you find that you actually use the adj speed on the finger sander? HF has a version with more power and non adj speed for about the same price - of course its heavier as well. I guess you never lack for power on that WEN sander or you wouldnt be recommending it ?...
Yes I definitely use the adjustable speed. I usually run it on 1 for most jobs unless I really need to remove a lot of material, then I might bump it up to 3 or 4. Never feel like it needs more power than that.
if i want to stain the wood what grit should I finish off with? google keeps giving different answers to it
also...please stop sanding bare woods finer than 320 grit...
damp/wet wiping wood, letting it dry and then 320 for a second time is more valuable.
pushing down on a sander is bad....it cloggs 10x....clogs leave scratches.
trimming the/a backing pad so its smaller than the sand paper helps with grooves and ridges.
let finishes dry fully....wetsand with lots of/way too much water
Life changing!
What about the neck, do you use a an orbital sander on that?
With the foam pad yes. I demonstrate that in the video
I've got a Porter Cable square orbital sander. Would that work as well as the round one?
If it’s square then it’s probably not an orbital sander. It probably just a palm sander
@@GunsandGuitars Thanks for getting back to me. I checked, it's a Porter Cable 340 - Orbital Sander. Do you think it being square would make a difference in what you displayed?
Don't do too many favorable reviews Glarry or scar my guitar might disown you as a friend !!!
👏
1st?
I literally 30 minutes before watching this video bought a DeWalt orbital sander from my local pawnshop. 😂
Mirka Sander's are the top sanding tools on the market.. Not cheap..$$$ but built to perform and our Quiet.. whether you use pneumatic or electric.. I use pneumatic because they're more powerful.. but the electric Mirka is no slouch though just more money..
I kinda like sanding
Good. Sanding needs at least one friend.