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[Banksy]

Pretty much as the title. I've 300 grit for the drum sander but do I need to go down another level for the final bit of hand sanding? I got some 'ultra fine' foam sanding blocks and they buff the bats up a treat, god knows what grade they are though...

[craigwm]

I work through about 6 grades ending up on about 2000 grit. Don't know if there's much point going that low but it produces a beautiful smooth and shiny finish.

[ajmw89]

I go up to about 800 grit.  Used to go to 1200, but felt that it was overkill.

[Banksy]

Cheers.

I've got 120, 240 and 300 on the sander, so might get some 400 & 500 for hand sanding then.

Or do you think I should go another grade on the drum sander, say 400, and finish with 600 & 800 by hand?

[Blazer]

There is not a huge difference in finish above 600 especially if you are planning to use wax to buff it up.

[ajmw89]

Cheers.

I've got 120, 240 and 300 on the sander, so might get some 400 & 500 for hand sanding then.

Or do you think I should go another grade on the drum sander, say 400, and finish with 600 & 800 by hand?

I have a black and decker Orbital sander, and go 40, 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400 and sometimes 600 and 800, depending on how the bat looks/feels

[Red Ink Cricket]

I have a black and decker Orbital sander, and go 40, 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400 and sometimes 600 and 800, depending on how the bat looks/feels

40? Wow that's low. I'm not sure about anyone else but the lowest I go is around 120-150. End up around 500. As long as you take your time on each one you shouldn't need to go to low or too high

[Fezballoh]

A mate of mine is a veneerer and he said he didn't see the point in going higher than 320 grit. In his own words you are going "below cellular level". A light wax & buff finish is what you want after that IMO.

[DevAussie]

I start with 80 and finish with a 400......as you can see from all the responses it's different for each person as people use different brands/quality of paper and finish differently.....I'd recommend trial and error to see what works for you

[Fezballoh]

Oakley 'Between coats' sandpaper is the best paper I have found for hand sanding. Really shifts the wood and doesn't clog too easily and can be tapped out quite easily if you know what I mean. Bit pricey though :s

[Ryan]

It all depends on the quality and type of sandpaper used.

[Simmy]

It all depends on the quality and type of sandpaper used.

this is very very true!

i had some cheap 600 gritt sand paper that i was finishing bats off when i was referbing stuff..

but the stuff ryan uses gets that sort of finish with 150 grit!

[tresco]

I tend to finish of using 'wet & dry' paper seems to get a better finish
can go as far as 1200 grit
http://www.screwfix.com/p/titan-wet-dry-sanding-paper-230-x-280mm-600-grit-pack-of-10/95130