How-To

FWW Poll: How You Smooth Wood

Sanding wins out over scraping or planing, according to the latest Knots poll

By Fine Woodworking editors #199–July/Aug 2008 Issue

Sanding appears to be the favorite way to smooth wood prior to finishing, according to the results of the latest poll on Knots, the user forum on FineWoodworking.Com. More than 4 in 10 of the 981 people who voted said that they use a combination of hand and power sanding. Fewer than 1 in 10 said they usually use only handplanes, scrapers, or both.

The graph below gives the specifics.

The poll is an unscientific (but, we hope, thoroughly entertaining) part of FineWoodworking.Com. There’s a new poll posted on the home page.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Liberon Steel Wool

Perfect for rubbing out a finish for a low-luster sheen.

Buy at Amazon

Zissner Seal Coat

Great as a sanding sealer, and as a final finish.

Buy at Amazon

Foam Brushes

Foam brushes are great for applying a variety of stains and finishes, and the 2" wide brush is the most versatile. Comes in a pack of 48.

Buy at Amazon

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