Sanding wood edges correctly is crucial for a smooth finish and involves working with the natural direction of the wood fibers.
To sand wood edges effectively, you should always sand in the direction of the wood grain. This prevents scratches that can be conspicuously against the grain and leaves a much cleaner surface. For edges, this usually means sanding in a linear motion along the length of the board.
Steps for Sanding Wood Edges
Achieving smooth, ready-to-finish wood edges typically involves a progression through different sandpaper grits.
- Choose Your Tool:
- Sanding Block: Ideal for manual control, ensuring edges remain square or allowing careful shaping (like a chamfer or roundover).
- Palm or Orbital Sander: Can be used, but requires careful handling to avoid rounding over crisp edges unintentionally. Ensure the sander is moved consistently along the length of the edge, following the grain.
- Edge Sander (Specialized): For high-volume or specific tasks, these machines are designed for edge sanding.
- Start with Appropriate Grit: Begin with a grit suitable for the initial condition of the edge.
- Rough edges, removing mill marks: 80 or 100 grit.
- Edges cut clean with a sharp saw: 120 or 150 grit.
- Sand Along the Grain: As stated, sand in a linear motion along the length of the board. Apply even pressure and work your way down the entire edge.
- Progress Through Grits: Gradually move to finer grits. Each subsequent grit removes the scratches left by the previous one.
- Common progression: 120 -> 150 -> 180 -> 220.
- For very fine finishes: You might go up to 320 or even 400 grit.
- Clean Between Grits: After sanding with each grit, wipe or blow away the dust from the edge and the surrounding surface. Residual dust can contain coarser grit particles that will scratch the wood when you switch to a finer paper.
- Break the Edge (Optional but Recommended): Even if you want a crisp look, slightly easing the sharp corner prevents splintering and makes the edge more durable and comfortable. A single light pass with fine sandpaper (e.g., 220 grit) held at a slight angle is usually sufficient. For a more pronounced look, you can create a chamfer or roundover using a router or specialized hand tools before final sanding.
- Final Check: Run your hand along the edge to feel for any rough spots or inconsistencies before finishing.
Grit Progression Examples
Using the right sequence of sandpaper grits is key to a smooth edge.
| Starting Condition | Suggested Grit Progression |
|---|---|
| Saw Marks Visible | 80 -> 120 -> 150 -> 180 |
| Cleanly Cut Edge | 120 -> 150 -> 180 -> 220 |
| Very Fine Finish Desired | 150 -> 180 -> 220 -> 320+ |
Remember, always sand in the direction of the grain, moving linearly along the edge's length, to achieve the best results.
