Sanding pen blanks

[ataylor]

Is it worth sanding pen blanks prior to using a ca finish?

 

[bellringer]

Yes you need a relatively good finish to start with

 

[Tephy]

If you use several CA coats then sand/polish to a high gloss finish I find it magnifies any defects not sorted out before the CA is applied. Like any topcoat finish the best results come from the preparation

 

[chas_41_uk]

What Alex and Steve said

Always always sand your blanks

 

[silver]

As above, I always finish my pens as if I wasn't using CA rather than polishing the wood I then add the CA.

If that makes sense..

 

[Jim]

Sanding is a good idea in my opinion, but i have to admit that i only use 400 grit with the lathe running and a few rubs with it stood ..

 

[Bill Mooney]

Some good advice there.

 

[Penpal]

Timberbits in Aus goes to 400 grit only, Jim just said he does as well makes me wonder and I will give this a go as well. Both of the mentioned produce exciting finishes in different ways one with Ca and Jim with potions so horses for courses mate what you like best yourself I use but one coat of CA myself going to 1200 grit beforehand.

Peter

 

[wm460]

I sand to either 400 or 600 grit depending on the wood.

 

[ni9eofse7en]

I sand to 400 using standard abrasives then nyweb to finish off. Bit like using micromesh on acrylics.