To capture magic dust for repairs and gap-filling, I used to go digging in my vacuum canister or dust-collection bags. That dust was almost always a mix of various species, however, making it a bad match for any one wood. Now I remove the dust bag from my sander, tape on a plastic sandwich bag, and sand a scrap of the wood I’m working with. That quickly delivers a pile of the right stuff. I’ve also discovered that Clear Gorilla Glue (a transparent PVA), mixed with the dust, creates a better-looking repair than other PVA glues. When I’m done I label the bag and save it for later use.

—DAVE WHITING, Townsend, Mass.

Illustrations by Dan Thornton
From Fine Woodworking issue #280

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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Liberon Steel Wool

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

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3M Pro Grade Sandpaper

This sandpaper is clog resistant and has a material on the back that prevents it from slipping. Great for sanding blocks.

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