Flush-Sanding Mild Steel Welds Without UndercutGetting a weld bead perfectly flush with surrounding steel without digging a trench (undercut) is a rite of passage in metal finishing. Power tools can remove material fast, but they also make it easy to...
Leveling Tabletop Epoxy Without Telegraphed ScratchesTabletop epoxy can look like a sheet of glass—until waves, sags, or dust nibs show up under bright light. The trick is leveling the surface cleanly and building back shine without leaving scratch patterns that...
Nothing makes a tabletop or panel look truly custom like dead-flat reflections—no waves, no dips, no telegraphed seams. The two most reliable tools to get there are the hand sanding block and the long-board (a long, rigid sanding board). Used...
Stair treads take a beating—grit from shoes, pet claws, and years of traffic leave them dull, scratched, and uneven. You don’t have to rip them out to make them look new. With a nosing-safe setup, a simple sanding jig, and...
Teak, ipe, cocobolo, and other oily hardwoods are gorgeous and durable—but their natural oils, silica content, and density make sanding tricky. Push too hard and you’ll polish (burnish) the surface shut so finishes won’t bite. Go too coarse and you’ll...
Your old deck can look brand new again—with the right sander and the right grit sequence. But should you reach for a random orbital sander (ROS) or a belt sander? The answer depends on deck condition, species, and finish goals....
Wooden cabinets are high-traffic surfaces that take daily wear from cooking, grease, and moisture. Over time, their finish dulls, paint chips, and the wood looks dated. Painting is a great way to update them, but sanding first is the most...
Nightstands see daily use and can quickly show scratches, stains, and worn finishes. Staining restores their natural charm, but sanding is essential for a smooth and even result. This guide explains the grit sequence and process for sanding nightstands before...
Dining tables see heavy use every day, from meals to homework to gatherings. Over time, scratches, stains, and dull finishes can make them look worn. Painting is a cost-effective way to refresh them, but sanding is the key step to...
