I have been doing a bit of pen turning with various woods. I usually sand down to 1000 grit with wet-or-dry paper. The problem is that when my stock is a light colored wood such as sycamore, oak or maple, some of the dark color from the abrasive works in to the grain of my wood. How can I avoid this discoloration? I there another type of abraisive which I can use? I usually go 320, 400, 600, then 1000 prior to my finish coat.

Oh, I occasionally turn pens using man-made blanks of laminated colored wood. After I have sanded to the 1000 grit, I find that I can acquire a mirror-like sheen on this product using an automotive rubbing compound on a small soft cloth. Just rub in a coat of carnauba wax and it is ready for assembly.

Try SuperGrit Abrasives at http://www.supergrit.com/
They have a red paper called Rhynowet that works well and hasn't discolored anything I've turned. Available grits run from 320 to 1500.

Thanks, Piney. I have just placed an order with SuperGrit for Rhynowet in 1000, 1200 and 1500 grit. I am interested in how this works out and will post a reply later.

You might try some of the 3M micron paper that runs down to really smooth particles. I have done a few things with it and fine that is does a remarkable job. philip

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philip