Finish Sanding

[jimmy986]

I have been woodworking for about 2 years as a hobby. I'm slowly building my skills, tools, and knowledge. I have been mostly building occasional tables. I have been looking at the RS 2 half sheet sander because I see my projects now and in the future having large flat surfaces. For all of my projects so far, I have been hand sanding after applying poly. I've been nervous of power sanding on poly for fear of messing it up and burning through the finish. With RS 2, it sounds like it would work. My process up to this point has been sanding with 600 grit paper and then using a couple steps of synthetic steel wool to bring the sheen up.

What are the recommended steps if I do use the RS 2 on poly. Because I am still learning, my finishing techniques are still improving so I probably have more flaws to sand out than most do.

 

[Scott B.]

Hey Jimmy

We use the RTS on furniture tops and counters. Mostly 320 and 400 grit.

Here is an example from a strip and refinish on cherry:

 

[jimmy986]

I saw you using it between coats with the lower grits, I'm assuming the 320 and 400. Do you use it after the final coat of poly though or do you only hand sand for the final finish?

As for the RTS, I feel like I would want the larger surface of the RS 2. I don't see myself doing a lot of vertical work so the weight isn;t really an issue. What are everyone's feelings on the RTS versus RS 2. Obviously the RTS comes with a $155 savings but I don't want to get it and then wish I had the RS 2.

I'm guessing the RS will be better now and long term because I am doing a lot of table tops and will continue to do so. I am also guessing that once I move onto more complex projects like cabinets and bookcases the RTS would be good for the sides and vertical spaces.

 

[JCLP]

Hi Jimmy. I use the RS 2 for large surfaces such as table tops, sides of large cabinets etc. It's a great sander. Make sure you give a break in period. For smaller surfaces i use a combination of my ets125  and the DTS400. Great all round anders. The DTS is grat for corners and inside edges. The base edges are bevelled whick helps prevent the marring of surfaces when getting in close to the inside edges of cabinets.
Happy sanding.
JC