Shopsmith Forums

Finishing up turning a bowl and having trouble with the end grain on the walnut. Sanded clear down to 400 grit and still have marks in the end grain. Any advice?

Down to 400? 400 is a high grit! Try 220 or even 150 or 100 (or lower) to get rid of the marks in the end grain then work your way back up.

By the way, there's lots of tear out in the other, lighter wood, too.

Thanks, I’ll go back to the 80 grit till they’re gone and work back up.

Thanks, that’s working. Trying to scrape with a bowl gouge isn’t something I’ve mastered yet, or sharpening etc etc.

Ambitious project! Couple of other thoughts on the end grain 1) might try a light touch with a cabinet scraper and 2) might try reversing the bowl by chucking it on the outboard spindle and sand in that direction.

end grain is porous , it would appear that you may be driving dust from the other wood into the pours ? depending on the finish you are going to use and once you get the tool marks out leave it in the chuck and then add linseed oil or what ever and dip your wet sand paper in it start with 200 and move all the way up to 3000 grit allowing drying time between coats , It will really shine it up . JMO

Thanks for the good information and advice guys, much appreciated.

I want to ask about the stripes. Are they drawn or natural?papa's pizzeria

Try wet sanding with 400-grit paper, and then buff the end grain with a soft cotton cloth. This should help get rid of any marks and make the walnut shine like it should.

If you imagine the wood to be like a microscopic bundle of straws, no matter how much you sand, the ends of the "straws" will still be exposed. If you want a gloss finish, I think you're going to have to fill the grain, either with wood filler or fine sawdust mixed with finish.