Sand paper vs. steel wool

After I finish turning a bowl, I usually sand up to about 320 grit. After a few coats of Formby's Tung Oil Finish, I let them dry and the sand with 400 grit paper prior to the next coat. A year or so ago I bought some Liburon

0000 steel wool which is a very high quality product. However, I often wonder how this steel wool would compare to one of the finer grits of sandpaper. Does anyone have information on the relative merits? Which is the finer abrasive? The Liburon 0000 steel wool or 400 grit sandpaper.

Bob

Reply to
Bob Daun
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Steel wool will leave little bits of itself in the grain, its fine for rubbing down a finish but bare wood is not a good idea. There is also the prospect of it winding round your work and grabbing your fingers as it goes.

Reply to
prb

I usually sand to 1000 grit and then burnish with shavings. Try that and you won't need the steel wool.

I do use the Liberon 0000 for rubbing out a finish.

Reply to
Larry Blanchard

I do utility bowls for most of my turnings. I sand to 400, then buff in Mahoney's walnut oil with the synthetic grey, which I think is equal to the 000 wool, abrasive pads. I stopped using the steel wool a long time ago. Mostly due to the fibers left behind. They do show up, and on light colored wood, if any moisture is present, rust spots will show. You can see 320 grit scratch patterns with the naked eye, and barely see the 400 grit scratches. With the grey pads, you can't see anything. It is fine for getting a matt finish on rubbed on oil finishes.

robo hippy

Reply to
robo hippy

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