peabody, whats up? I have some helpful news! I am turning wood often, so I think this will be helpful
Ok first, sanding will work, but Matter is completely correct when it comes to sanding… you must go through every step of sanding paper…. it may seem like make work but is the correct way and work intensive. This is something that works but will not substitute for a good sharp tool, as it saves a ton of time and dust.
Lew is right too, and I can personally attest that reversing direction is the best for sanding… it cuts down the “fibres” of the wood the best because what you push down in one direction you cut going the other (if that makes sense). so for example 120 one direction and then 120 the opposite turning direction, but shortly!!! then on to the next grain of sand paper.
But here is THE Golden Rule of wood turning; (well, at least what my instructor in wood turing always said, and he was an actual master turner, which is getting rarer even here in Germany, where traditional handworkers are still around) and that is: “There is no substitute for a good finish with the bowl gouge/skew” Well, thats not perfect but you get the translation.
So… in a long about way, what I am saying is that it is best to use the sharpening stone and make your gouge or what ever tool your using and make it razor sharp, then use the proper cutting angle and when performed well enough, you can start actually something like a 240 or higher grit paper. It will work, it just takes a TON of practice, I know, but it is worth it!
By the way, just to let you know, If you are turning over the endgrain, you should know that this is one of the most difficult types of turning (you probably already know this being in school and all), but worth saying all the same.
Another really good tip that I learned finishing stuff on the lathe, is that you can infact “burnish” your pieces and make an almost semi gloss (depending on wood of course) with just water and the shavings and chips you have sitting on the floor underneath your lathe.
After the piece is finished in the form you want and the sanding/skewing or which ever you choose is done, you can take a sponge or rage (be careful that the rag does not catch on the spindle) and some water and wet down the piece, (not so much that it sprays all over but enough that it is a glossy and good dampend) then grab a pile of shavings from under your lathe and CAREFULLY hold them hands cupped to the turning piece. BE VERY CAREFULL as it can get real hot real quick. “Rub” while turning and before the piece is totally dry(you will see it drying as your turning, the friction makes alot of heat) reverse direction if possible and perhaps grab a new hand full of shavings…. the rougher and sharper the shavings the better, so probably the stuff at the bottom of the pile, because usually the first shavings to come off sind the roughest.
This works with most hard woods to get a nice “semi gloss” or a little short of it. Also pure hard wax will work to get a good natural shine, bees wax will make a more warm tone with a little more grain showing.
Of course the Schellack works too, as well as poly and everything else what you can use on wood.
-- Nicholas, Journeyman Cabinetmaker, Partenkirchen, Germany
