Luthier Tips du Jour Mailbag 180 - Power Sanding the Finish

Luthier and Instructor, Robert O'Brien, shows how to power sand a finish when leveling.
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[@chrispile3878]

Rob - that's part of the fun!

[@dantasv8guitar]

Great tip, Robie

[@CartoucheGuitars]

Your buffing compounds can remove 1000 grit scratches? I’ve started with 1500 as my most course paper in the past and ultimately been left with fine scratches I can see, but I’m buffing with a drill pad.

[@OBrienGuitars]

Check your type of sandpaper and make sure it is not P grade

[@rakentrail]

Robbie, do you pre-soak your wet paper? The autobody guys all swear by putting your papers in water overnight before sanding! One of those "high dollar" painters told me he adds a few drops of glycerin to his sanding water. He claims it acts as a lubricant and lets the paper glide easier. Here's my tip on sandpaper. Grab a scrap of plush pile carpet. Use it to brush all the kernels and buildup. You'll find your papers last longer!

[@OBrienGuitars]

Pre soaking is good. Mostly I dry sand these days though using Japanese papers.