I've been woodworking for nearly 30 years now. I've been turning for at least 10. I have mostly turned in support of my furniture projects, legs, finials, that sort of thing. So while I can and do turn, I do not consider myself an expert. But even so, I was surprised recently to learn a 'new' trick for sanding on the lathe.

I was working with another turner recently filming some how-to stuff, and in the finishing portion of his demonstration, he talked about sanding both radially AND axially when finishing turnings. I've never done that before! I am self taught and so was never shown it, but now that I saw him doing it, it seems kind of obvious. To be honest, I feel a bit foolish not having figured it out on my own.

Sanding the part while it spins in the lathe is obvious. This is radial sanding, sanding around the part. Sanding axially is simply stopping the lathe and sanding with the grain (on a spindle turning) by hand. It only takes a few second's work to eliminate the radial marks and get a MUCH better finish!

So this week's blog is asking for your confessions and tips to help others out. What 'sort of obvious' tips and advice do you have to share? What have you learned recently that had you slapping your forehead and saying; "Duh"? Don't be shy, drop us a line here on this blog, on our Facebook page, or via Twitter. -2Sand.com