Finishing options

[JollyJim]

Thanks Derek, understood.....

I try to learn a minimum of one new thing each day.
Theoretically, at my age, I should be clever
enough to know why I go from room to room
wondering what I went there for, but, alas.......

Thanks for the info, best wishes - Jim

[Twisted Trees]

I also use and recommend the Simon Hope system, though I think mine is a very early prototype, but many brands exist, once you get the angle and speed right it works well.

https://hopewoodturning.co.uk/sanding-items/sanding-tools/16/hope-complete-pro-sander-kit?c=32

I have bought enough heads not to need to keep changing the abrasive (except when it has gone blunt of course) as I find the velcro comes off the foam if you change it on every grade you increase the risk. so far despite the initial expense I think it is paying off as I am still using the same set about 2 years on. and I use it much more often than I did when it kept breaking!

[willstewart]

Yes - a common and not too expensive thing often sold as a 'bowl sander' , for example by Axminster (& others).  The rotation is driven by contact with the work and the velcro-fastened sanding disk on a soft pad then runs at many angles, avoiding the simple circular-with-lathe-rotation  marks sanding can leave.  Not essential but useful.

You can also get soft lambswool-style pads for these for polishing - not so useful I think but can work.

[JollyJim]

Thanks Will and TwistedTrees....

It looks very useful, but quite expensive for what it is.

I think I'll try to make one because I think I could
get quite a lot of use from it. The video is very impressive.

Thanks again and best wishes - Jim

[willstewart]

You might note that you can get most tools cheaper either by asking for a club discount (including AWGB) and/or by buying at wood shows.