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Sanding Spruce tops
http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=40672
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Author:  Casey Cochran [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:00 am ]
Post subject:  Sanding Spruce tops

Image Sometimes I get this wormy look when sanding Spruce. It seems to get worse if I use finer grits. What's the best way to avoid this- grits, DA/block, with/against grain?

Author:  StevenWheeler [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:04 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

Casey,

Are you talking about the cross grain squiggles? Those are the medullary rays showing that you have some perfectly cut tops. If they are offensive you'll have to purchase some lower grade wood.

Steve

Author:  Casey Cochran [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:10 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

No, not the silk... In some places it sort of looks like flecking that you would see in Maple, and in some places it looks like Damascus steel. In the pic above, you can see some of it just right of center.

Author:  Tony_in_NYC [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

Are you sanding bare wood or is there some sanding sealer or other finish on it?

Author:  Glen H [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

Guessing, are you sanding without a backing block (wood, foam- pad)? Are you sanding in the same direction as your fingers are pointing (and holding the sandpaper directly with your fingers)? If no block, you can sand uneven and put grooves in the wood that line up with your fingers, depending on direction.

Author:  StevenWheeler [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 10:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

Casey Cochran wrote:
No, not the silk... In some places it sort of looks like flecking that you would see in Maple, and in some places it looks like Damascus steel. In the pic above, you can see some of it just right of center.


Oh, that wormy looking stuff. I think it's still part of the rays/silk. I never paid much attention too it as the look diminishes under finish and the grain lines become more prominent. Personally, I sand to 150 grit with a finish sander and block it out with a fresh piece of 150 with a cork faced sanding block and call that good for any type of film forming finish.

Author:  meddlingfool [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:18 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

I've often wondered about that too. I've just lived with it....

Author:  B. Howard [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 11:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

That's the resin in the wood. It was sap in the Cross grain structures when the wood was cut and dried.

Author:  Casey Cochran [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 1:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

Thanks for the responses!

Author:  Mike Collins [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

That's perfectly cut & sanded- great top!
I hope you are not judging your top by factory standards.
Enjoy the beauty of a rare top now-adays.

Finer grits do bring out more of the perfect cross/grain pattern.
SILK!

Mike

Author:  Casey Cochran [ Mon Jun 17, 2013 2:15 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Sanding Spruce tops

I think this top was about $8 in one of Shane's low-grade bundles. It had a pitch pocket that fell just outside of the waist for this L-00. The silk is very even across the board. I hope Shane makes this offer again!

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