I find using Velcro sanding discs with an interface pad polishes the wood. We use 150 and 180 on oak. You can look at the wood at an angle and see a shine. It also feels like it has been sanded down to 320. I am concerned about adhesion issues. I also feel like the interface pad contours too much and doesn't really flatten or remove glue . Has anyone else experienced this?
From contributor ch
150 on oak is enough.
It is easy to switch out the pad on an orbital sander and get a harder one if needed.
From contributor Da
If you're seeing a shaine then you are burnishing the wood rather than sanding it. You're right to be concerned with adhesion.
Are you pushing down on the sander? The sandpaper should do the work of sanding with no downward pressure from the person holding the sanding machine.
I would also consider a switch to peel-and-stick discs because these are flatter to the surface than a cushioned abrasive.
Friction from sanding can turn the glue gummy. That's one more reason -- avoiding heat buildup from friction -- to avoid bearing down on the sander.
Get a cabinet scraper for glue spots. Cabinet scraping is a good first step.
From contributor Mi
Thanks for the responses. I encourage more people to respond.I pretty much assumed what I was going to get for response. I have been saying this all along to the company I work for. When we sand oak their process has been 150 and 180. In reality it feels like 320 grit. I have used the Velcro and pad for leveling out finishes on could ter tops. It is soft enough to level without burning through the finish. Another issue that I have encountered is sanding painted maple. Again, the same tools are use. I feel like the pad is too soft and does not even CUT but just polishes..... We see lines on glue ups of draw fronts. They seem to disappear using traditional hard pads with sticky abrasives. Again, with velcrpo, it feels polished. Using sticky back indasa 120 cuts so much better and actually looks more uniform with first coat of primer.
From contributor Ad
I'm not entirely sure I have the whole picture.
You use an orbital sander with an interface pad and velcro disk in 150/180 to white wood sand?
Then you use that same pad to sand in between coats with the same grits?
Have you just tried removing the interface pad and sanding with the straight disk?
Velcro does not contribute to polish in any significant way. I use it daily. Velcro just gives a slightly better finish. It cuts just as flat.
The interface pad sounds too soft for the job.
From contributor Mi
Yes I had to agree.....the sander is using the interface pad on everything..... Just seems to much. It won't even sand missed glue. It just contours the glue.
From contributor Br
Are you talking about a pad protector or and actual .25'' or .5 interface pad?
There's a big difference.
If he's using a .5 interface pad on raw wood he will not be able to cut glue. If it's a standard pad protector then there should be no issues.
From contributor An
If you are burnishing the wood, you are using the disc for too long. A 180 disc isn't going to last as long as a 120. Keep the paper sharp and you won't burnish the wood. You will also have less issues with even stain application.
