Here’s the situation, you’re in the shop turning a bud vase using some FOG (Found On Ground) Wood. Turning is going great, you are just about ready to make that final pass and it’s time to ask yourself one question; “Is this tool sharp enough to make “one more pass?” This is probably the most important pass of the day, this is really where the rubber meets the road.
Consider this, you probably began the project with a fairly sharp tool, you may have taken a break a break to re-sharpen or touch up the edge. But now that you are about to make one more pass, don’t you think you should re-sharpen or touch up that edge?
It will only take a moment, but, increase the quality of the work with one good slice. I like to think of it as saving a few passes with sandpaper.
Now, this does not eliminate the need to start low and go slow with your abrasives. I normally go from an 80 grit disc to pad and proceed to maybe a 400 grit. I rarely sand wood products to above the 400 range, but, plastics go easily in the 4 digit series (1000 and above) of paper with a lubricant. (But, more on that in future lessons.)
… Cap’n Eddie Castelin