The Only 3 Sandpapers You Really Need | SANDING BASICS 

Years ago I had an older neighbor that was very OCD, he would hear me wood working and come over to see what I was making. His OCD would always kick in aand he would start sanding, and sanding, and sanding.. he wouldn't stop until the wood was as smooth as glass. He would always thank me for letting him help on my project and even started bringing his own sand paper.

Nice video Steve! One of my favorite sanding hacks is, after you sanded the surface of your workpiece with the final grit, take a wet sponge and wet the surface like applying a coat of oil finish. Let it dry and the fibers of the wood that aren´t smooth will rise. Then sand it again with your final grit. This is great for tables and other big surfaces, but also for toys becaus it gives you a really smooth result!

As a sandpaper salesman, I can give a few pointers on technical aspects. There are many different minerals used in the actual abrasive of the sandpaper. Not all sandpapers are equal, some use higher quality minerals, but apart from that here is some info.. For sanding wood, some people still prefer to use the natural garnet, unlike produced minerals it does not fracture to stay sharp, it becomes dull as you use it, which means it will be less effective but produce a smoother finish, if you grab a fresh piece of garnet paper it will be significantly sharper than the other piece. Aluminum Oxide is not the best choice for wood (since it is a metal, you could get mineral fallout into your project), however many people really like it because it is extremely durable and cheap; The small minerals fracture instead of becoming dull, which means it will stay sharp just as long. Its lifespan is usually dependent on the thickness and durability of the paper, also loading can become an issue. Loading is when whatever your sanding gets stuck and trapped on the paper rendering it less useful. You can get non-loading sand paper which is sterrated in a lubricant similar to baby-powder. The best choice for wood is Silicon Carbide (glass). It has the benefits of garnet by not fracturing, and it becomes more dull as it is used, and the lack of durability is not as significant sanding soft materials, like wood and even concrete. It is more expensive but its sharpness will mean much faster results. The sandpaper Steve is using in the video is a commercial grade aluminum oxide sand paper. I would suggest trying a professional grade silicon carbide, you will get much better results. Silicon Carbide also comes in screens (Like the screen on a screen door) which is amazing because anything you sand will come right out of the holes, and since its double sided you can just flip it over if you want a fresh and sharp abrasive.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for simplifying sanding. I can't thank you enough. I enjoy your humor

Raise your hand if you love sanding! Yay! It's the best part of making things! (Said no one ever.) But, it's something we have to deal with on almost all woodworking projects. I hope this video will help to minimize the monotony of sanding and simplify the topic. It's actually a pretty big topic and I couldn't cover everything in this video. Help us all out by leaving a comment with any sanding tips you might have!

I think I must just be a weirdo. I enjoy the sanding! It’s like meditation for me. I find it soothing and relaxing for some reason and everyone I tell that too thinks I’m nuts. Also, I love watching how the wood changes as you sand with different grits and becomes more and more gorgeous with each step. 🤷🏼‍♀️

I have watched a LOT of RU-vid help and informational videos - Steve is the most straight forward and highly informative person I have seen! Simple, Truthful, Informative and down home FUN to watch! All 5 Stars - Great Job!!

Hi Steve, I am retired and diving into the wonderful world of wood working. It does benefit me in two ways, keeps my brain ticking as well as keeps my body fit! I was thinking of enrolling into a technical college to learn about wood working, but then I found your videos. They are fantastic. I found your videos and many others on the youtube very informative and educational, especially yours. How do you manage to keep your smile all the time while talking about the nitty gritty. Please keep videoing more and more. Thanks mate-Sam from Sydney Australia (But one thing I need to flag is that most of the videos I find in youtube are from USA and the measurements are in imperial-inch-feet-whereas I am used to metric measurement).

Good one Steve! You have a gift for explaining things in a concise way with some clever comments thrown in for entertainment!

I learn more in your short videos than I do in hours of watching others. Short, sharp to the point and entertaining at the same time. Thank you for your effort.

Have been watching your videos sporadically over the last 3 months and I'm learning so much from you! Being a newbie to woodworking I've been needing concise, straightforward and well explained tips and demonstrations to get me started quickly. I've found your tutorials to be the best. I'm sure they've been helping many other people out there as well, so thank you for doing what you do, Steve! :)

Just going back and rewatching some of the BASICS series. REALLY good stuff. So easy to grasp, and makes woodworking accessible to everyone. Thanks for these, Steve

Hi Steve, just the upside down belt sander mounting tip was worth watching this entire video for! This is an excellent presentation - sharpening wood chisels with a sander? Yes, please! You have a new sub... that's right, I'm just "one in a million" I look forward to many more coffee breaks spend learning your woodworking techniques and tips. THANK YOU

One tip for the random orbit sander I learned while working at a woodworking shop, is to hold it by the base, not the top, the control you get will bring your sanding game to the next level. I know this because of the countless hours I spent using Nothing but a random orbit sander(and a 1/4 sheet pad sander) . Otherwise, everything els is spot on! I really appreciate your videos, they are always so funny, and enjoyable to watch, but above all els make me feel welcome into the woodworking community, and inspired to see what I can make.

I just found you and your videos are EXCELLENT! I am a beginner in woodworking, and I have yet to find someone with clearly stated, concise information, without too much nonsense or technical speak. It's hard to learn, when everyone wants to speak in code or assume that you already know this or that. You also start with basic fundamentals, without treating the viewer like a 3 year old. Thank you very much.

I'm a total newbie to home maintenance. Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!! I wish I'd thought of searching for an intro to sanding like this years ago. Very well made, thoughtfully polished and full of valuable info! Excellent tutorial!

If you're applying anything that soaks into the wood (oil or otherwise) then you want to sand to at least 220. Stain is the common thing that comes to mind. Sanding to a finer grit goes a long, long way to making sure stain absorbs evenly. Sanding to only 120 grit is a recipe for blotch, streaks, and visible scratches in a stained or dyed project.

This "Basics" series is a good idea. I've always thought that if you can learn to do the basics of any skill really well, then you'll be able to do more complicated stuff easily. Good content, good channel, good all around.

Thank you so much for your advice on sanding. You answered all of my questions. Your videos are great, precise , concise and informative and delivered with humour.

As a total beginner in DIY wood working, I really appreciate and learn a lot from your videos. Looking forward to your next videos, thanks for sharing

Love your videos. You are just so crazy "at times". Thank you very much for sharing your knowledge and love to see more informative videos from you. Take care.

I enjoy your videos so much. Lots of info and humor to boot. Never a dull moment like so many out there. I don't know who your videographer is but they get 2 thumbs up, too.

Steve, I am very much a beginner and I haven't even got a lot of powertools (I have asked them for my birthday coming up in July!). I have been gathering some projects I'd like to do and am learning as much as possible before I can start. Each time I have a very specific question in mind, I end up clicking on your videos without realizing I'm doing so. Thanks so much for giving so much info! I feel like once I get started I'll know a lot. I'm starting with refinishing some nightstands today so this sanding info is very welcome :)

Thank you for taking the time to make this video, I so appreciate it!

If you mount your belt sander upside down as you show in the video, you can use the curved area of the belt to sand inside curves. Thanks for the information. Very good video.

As a painter, I actually really love sanding. It's long and tedious, but is one of the most important parts of paint prep. I like seeing the old rough substrate become new and young again before I even put product on it. Good vid steve!

Not only does the presenter know his craft well, he is also an awesome communicator and articulates the content in a pragmatic and helpful way along with valuable tips.

You just showed me the light i really had a confuse decision between those sanders levels and you explained it on the spot for me , thank you very much to you sir ill keep watching this amazing channel of yours

love the "Basics" series great info for people just getting started! or even people who have been doing it for years!

Still loving your stuff, man. I remember when you got the oscillating sander, the table saw, etc. Nice that you brought it up. Also, can we have a more detailed, updated video on finishing? What types for what woods, when to sand and when not, etc?

Looking at getting into woodworking for various diy projects I have in mind: Motivated by memories of my late father's handiwork, and things he's made for me and my family, I'm hoping to make some nice things that I or loved ones can enjoy and use for a long time. Your videos are engaging, entertaining and very informative from a number I have browsed before stumbling on you; I also love your humour. Thank you for sharing your wonderful knowledge and beautiful, brilliant mind.

I appreciate your style: very practical, straight forward, not too technical. Thanks.

My favorite sanding tip is to get some one else to do it...

When you've sanded something wipe over it with a damp rag, let it dry and then sand it again. Smooth as a baby's bottom.

Exact same advice my wood shop teacher gave me over thirty years ago. Enjoying the videos. Very informative and entertaining. Love the Microjig lead-ins! Keep it up. Newbie trying to learn all I can. Thank you

Hey Steve, Abe here, . just wanted to say Thanks for taking the time to do these videos. thanks for the education. I am more of an Industrial Electro-Mechanical guy. ( PLC'S and industrial machinery repair) However when my 1st son was born my wife wanted to spend all kinds of money on curtains and He-Man Sheets and spreads for my sons room. They prices were crazy. I said to hell with that. I work with all kinds of hand tools in the industry. I Bought the HE-Man comforter and the He-Man fitted Sheet for his mattress. Then I bought I think I bought 6, matching He-Man Flat sheets. I figured, If I can operate industrial tools. Hell, I can operate a Sewing machine too. I went out and bought myself a $200. Brother Sewing machine.and with the Flat sheets I put hems and sleeves on the top and made Curtains out of them for his room I also made HE- Man pillow cases as well. That sewing machine has saved me a small fortune on all kinds of stuff. its one of those tools You made not need it all the time. but when you do its there. I have made valences for the house each one if purchased would have cost me hundreds a piece. With my sewing machine and my Jig saw. I saved Big bucks there. Heres where you come in Steve. I Know and can figure out how to do anything I put my mind too. I just figure it out. Except as a result of not knowing the "Basics / Theory " it"s a cognitive lesson. Being a mechanical kind of guy. I was able to become A Respiratory Therapist and eventually a Clinical instructor for students. I teach them them the electro- physio aspect of the human Body from a mechanical sense.( Ie) Nuerons are in essence electrical conductors "Wires" and just like an electrical conductor in the wall it has insulation. (Myelin sheath, Insulation ) The Heart is a 4 chamber pump. Negative and positive pressures. the kidneys. A filter. etc. Now I am doing the same with wood working I have those tools I am a Tool Guy. Thank you for your time and the basics. Semper FI.

just watched 40+ youtube sanding videos but this is easily the best. seems to provide all basic knowledge for general woodwork sanding

THANK YOU SO MUCH. love these educational videos about tools , KEEP THEM COMING.

I purchased a random sander, and it works well. Thanks Steve for you're insight on woodworking stuff.

The most informative video I've seen for a long time. Excellent clarity. You've helped me a lot. Thank you.

When your vid starts and then the micro jig ad cuts in, it cracks me up every time 🤣👍

Super cool tips!

just wanted to compliment your channel... by far the most informative I've seen so far

I've been binging your videos which is a true testament to how enjoyable and informative they are. You get almost a million views a video and that still seems underrated. Keep it up man.

Please make a basics video covering different finishes - oils, polyurethane, etc.

Great info, thank you

Thank you so much, professional of the wood!, I think that with your valuable advice on what types of abrasive paper to use, you have clarified a lot of doubts I had about it! This video is the best explanation I found looking for on youtube and on the web in general. warm greeting from Italy!

Really great video. Very informative. You also gave me more confidence that I am not as crazy as I thought. Since I got started into refinishing furniture several years ago I settled on 3 grits of sandpaper that I use regularly and don't buy any other. They are 80, 120 & 220. Just the grits you recommend. I always kept this a secret as I felt a real carpenter would just laugh me out of the room. Now I know I'm not alone.

Only you can make a video about sanding seem interesting Steve

I actually like sanding. I just love getting that finish on rough cut wood.

Good videos. I've not mess around with hand tools much so these are informative to us amateurs.

dang it is super rare to find such rapid, quality, and informative content. Great job!

Please make a video comparing racing sanders. I would like to buy the fastest one.

funny and knowledgeable! Great combination! Great Videos!

"Or just for racing!" awesome video, im shopping for wood tools today and happened across your videos, great to watch, very helpful

i love how you show different examples of each one and how to use them, im trying to remove a clear finish off of a wood toy chest so that i can stain it darker, and i have no idea what i’m doing but this helps so much

I back my sandpaper with duct tape, it holds together longer to get the most use out of it. I used to use cheap-o sand paper, but I bought and tried some of that tan sand paper available at lowes, I don't recall the brand off hand, it's got an anti loading coating so the saw dust doesn't clog as quickly. And for sure, that anti clog works, I get about 10X the use on the lath, and about 2-4x use by hand. That's with duct tape backing, which already doubles or triples the life of sandpaper.

I always knew you had True Grit Steve. This video just proves it.

Ah, your videos are just the best. Every single question I have, I look it up and you already have it answered. People like are what makes RU-vid.

Thanks Steve - I'm so glad to have found you. Humour and a mine of information, wonderful.

I'm cracking up over here! "For racing..." Classic!

An alternative to a spindle sander is to get an old small hole saw, and glue a piece of sand paper (cut to size) to the outside of it

This is simply the best woodworking channel! Thank you!

Steve, love your channel. It is just perfect for people just starting out in woodworking, like myself. Thanks!

i kinda want a basics fo clamping i have like 9 clamps but some of them just sit around and i wish i knew what they were specifically for

Let's see if I have this correctly 60-80 = Basic material removal 120 = Beginning of the smoothing process 220+ = Final grit for Smoothing

What a fun video. I was really looking for a tutorial on palm sanding. I couldn't turn the video off because this guy is so likeable.

Hi Steve. I love watching your videos. It's very informative and at the same time, entertaining (not boring). You also have a good touch for editing! Keep up the good work and be safe always! Thank You and God Bless You !!!

I find i get better results with less work if i only go up 60 grit at a time. Most of the time starting at 120, then 180, then 240 and when i feel like it 300 +, i use 60 to remove material.

Steve, any tips on how to know its time to change the sanding disk, so you won't risk damaging the orbital sander, but still maximize the life of the disk?

All information revealed to expected learners.Ur sincere efforts r appreciated.Thnks.

WOW who would have guessed there were so many sanders. Thank you very much for this video. Excellent tips.

Aw man. I love sanding

i really love sanding, no clue why

THANKS Steve - you've made my day! Esp. doing so much without any electrical sanding gadgets!

You have a gift for instructing. Very detailed yet you kept it interesting a fun. Great job.

I cut a dowel on my lathe and glue the sandpaper to it for sanding curved pieces.

What is the difference between one hand and two hand random orbital sanders? Just the handling or is there more at?

You just gave me 100s of ideals with that band sander. Plan on gluing some sandpaper to my saw-table/ on the side of the blade and go from there. Thanks so much

Huge density of information in a relatively short video, thanks a ton Steve!

One little bit of advice random orbit sanders that I would add is to NOT start, or stop, them when they are in contact with your work piece. This tends to leave swirls that will require additional sanding.

6:06 :D wow.. amazing!

The best video I have seen to learn all about sanding. So helpful for me!

Another really good tutorial! I like this Basics series a lot as you cover areas I was unfamiliar with. This one on sanding was really good and i think you covered the most important aspects of sanding in this video.

That fine sawdust should be kept then mixed with white PVA glue which dries transparent, but is excellent for hiding small holes etc even splits.

Did you have a bad day Steve? You seem rather abrasive, lol

I don't think I've ever laughed out loud during a wood working video, but you've got me a bunch of times, Steve. Thanks!

Love how you teach basics. Well done and exactly what I needed for a project I’ll be wrapping up this weekemd.

will 80 grit for a power sander take care of splinerty pallet wood?

"That just scratches the surface... HA!" :D

An enjoyable blast from the past and many useful reminders. Thanks.

Great video Steve! Sanding doesn't bother me! It's always that sign I get to wrap the project up and get to start something Else that is new and fun!

Steve, what is the best grit to use for racing?

The Belt sander part made me laugh! Or you could race them!! wow

You removed a lot of mystery in sanding for us. Thanks Steve.

Just getting into woodworking and I actually love this channel!!!

I don’t watch you enough to expect your micro jig intro

your puns in this where brilliant

Mr. Ramsey, I enjoy your videos and your sense of humor. Though corny at times they make watching the videos even more enjoyable!

Just getting started in the past few months, and I found out on my own that those three sandpaper grits were definitely the best. I recently flattened a live edge slab with a router sled. The 80 grit with orbital sander definitely got rid of the "tracks" left by the router bit. The 120 and 220 brought the slab smoothness out to a point where applying polyurethane (that is, after using some tack cloth) brought out the absolute smoothness I was looking for..