Synopsis: There are a number of ways to achieve the flawless surfaces you need for any woodworking project, but this method is fast, reliable, and foolproof. All you need are a card scraper, a sharp block plane, and a few sheets of 320-grit paper. Working systematically, you’ll remove mill marks and tearout with the scraper, break sharp edges and corners with the block plane, and sand to an even finish with the paper.

Careful surfacing is critical to the final look of any project, as even minor defects, from mill marks to tearout, will jump out as soon as finish is applied. I typically start this work on a piece by using a finely set smoothing plane because it’s quick and leaves a flat surface. But I follow that with a card scraper where necessary and 320-grit sandpaper to blend and smooth the whole surface. A smoothing plane is a great tool, but it requires a considerable learning curve—not only to use effectively but also to sharpen and keep finely tuned. And even then, there are some woods that are close to impossible to plane well.

Another option is sanding up through the grits, a perfectly acceptable method widely used in commercial work. However, a good job takes more time and skill than many people realize.

Secrets for Better Sanding
Learn the right way to random-orbit
sand in Part I of our 3-part video series
on sanding and surface prep

Fortunately, there’s a third way to achieve a shimmering, glasslike surface. With just a simple card scraper, a sharp block plane, and 320-grit sandpaper wrapped around a sanding block, you have a reliable method that’s fast and nearly fail-proof.

Scrape and sand faces and edges

I usually start with the faces of a workpiece. This is the biggest part of the job and requires the most time— and a bit of finesse. The scraper makes quick work of surface defects, but it leaves a fairly rough surface. Following up with 320-grit sandpaper eliminates that roughness and reveals areas I missed while scraping, thanks to the fine sawdust that gets trapped in any defects.

From Fine Woodworking #279

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	Bob Van Dyke Shop Tip: Burnishing a Card Scraper A step-by-step guide to tuning and sharpening this versatile smoothing tool.
	Bob Van Dyke Shop Tip: Using a Card Scraper Smart techniques for using this essential smoothing tool
	Video: Sharpening a Curved Scraper For many, sharpening a curved card scraper can be a hit or miss proposition, but in this video, Peter Galbert demonstrates how he gets a perfect edge consistently and efficiently

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Diablo ‘SandNet’ Sanding Discs

While Diablo’s SandNet disks perform similarly to conventional paper abrasives in terms of material removal and surface prep (with some exceptions at the lower grits), they make keeping your work surface and work area clean much easier, thanks to the great dust collection possible with them.

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Craftsman Random Orbit Sander

While this sander is among the least expensive models in the test, its performance ranks among the best. The stock removal was excellent, and dust collection was solid when used with a vacuum. It handles really smoothly, too, and has a tall body that fit my hand nicely whether I was holding it from above or around the waist.

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Festool Rotex FEQ-Plus Random Orbital Sander

The Festool Rotex is a top-of-the-line choice. On its coarse setting, it removed stock nearly twice as quickly as the second-fastest model. But that speed doesn’t mean you’ll have to wrestle with it. It’s no huge task to control it with two hands, and its long body gives you plenty of room to find a sweet spot while holding it.

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