Sand paper vs. steel wool

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.

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.

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