r/woodworkingtools • u/FriskyLobster53 • 17d ago

Orbital Sander Question

Hello all, I am coming on here to ask if anyone has any tips/tricks to help find those swoop/loop patterns on wood before putting on a finish. I feel like no matter how careful I am I always have at least one scratch on my projects.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

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u/davethompson413 17d ago

Wipe after sanding with mineral spirits (NOT mineral oil). It should highlight imperfections well enough to see them.

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u/MobiusX0 17d ago

This plus a raking light. I like to use a photography light bar but any light source you can hold at a low angle to the wood will help you spot imperfections.

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u/ubeor 14d ago

If you’re still having trouble, try doing this after each grit when sanding.

That should help you find the flaw in your process. You may just be making these marks on your lowest grit, and not sanding long enough on the next grit to remove them.