Sanding Live Edge Wood

On the other hand if the slab has natural edges checks also known simply as cracks bark inclusions areas where the surface of the slab is bark tissue rather than wood and even voids then there are added details to deal with.

Sanding live edge wood. On the one hand slabs are just thicker pieces of wood and are finished using exactly the same techniques that woodworkers have been using forever. Shaping and sanding the live edge is where most people get nervous. How to work with natural edge slabs the rich contours of natural wood edges give tables benches and other projects a sculptural quality almost as much art as furniture. If youre thinking ok lets get these cracks and openings filled up as the first thing to do stop.

In this video i show how i finish my live edge slabs. I give a few tips and techniques that are super easy that anyone can do. If you want a guide on how to build a slab table from start to finish take a look at our wood slab table diy guide. For me i want to take any sharp edges off of the bark so it isnt an uncomfortable piece of furniture to have around but i dont want to dramatically change its shape or contours.

Then sand the sap wood live edge with a smaller headed sander to bring out the color and remove any bark or dirt. Curing sanding and sealing the wood will ensure that your project lasts for years to come. Sanding live edge on a table can be a little tricky. The nice thing about mirka wetdry sandpaper is its available up to 2500 grit so it doesnt matter if youre sanding bare wood or sanding and buffing out lacquer.

Step by step guide for live edge wood slabs. Even though live edge slabs lend your woodworking project a natural rustic look you still need to finish them. For finer sanding in the 1000 grit range i go to the mirka wetdry paper. There is a certain beauty to live edge slabs that straight finished edges simply dont have.

Once the surface is prepped to 120 grit with the aggressive sander move onto a random orbit finishing sander. Check it out 5 tips for better. Once the surface is prepped to 120 grit with the aggressive sander move onto a random orbit finishing sander.