rough sanding hardwood slabs

[Drtfrmr]

Hello. I have a bunch of 2" black walnut slabs that are now at 5-5.5% moisture. I would like to do a rough sanding to see the grain shape and figure so that I can match the wood to the current projects. How would you accomplish that? I am plan on using a CNC router to plane them. I have never done that before and do not know how much that process will show the grain. If sanding is the solution, can I use a floor drum sander for efficiency? Thank you all. Kirt

 

[A.McPherson]

Yep, just use your drum sander to make 'em flat, then splash a little water on 'em. That'll show you what the grain will look like when finished... Sort of... The amount you sand, the fineness of the grit and the finish you use will change what your final finish looks like.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Instead of water, wood people use 99% isopropyl alcohol. It even comes in a spray can. Just splash/wipe some on or give it a spray and te wood will show every grain detail. I sand all blocks to 120 grit and use alcohol to check when picking handles for a knife. It works on unstabilized or stabilized wood. It evaporates in minutes and won't swell or damage the wood. I always have a spray can on the table at the show for showing all the goodness to a perspective customer.

 

[Crag the Brewer]

Currently I flycut my too thick of scales on a manual vertical mill.
The flycutter uses a HSS lathe bit that I ground.

It works, but is tedious. I'm daydreaming about making a little planner table. Someday

 

[Alex Topfer]

Nothing wrong with a large hand plane and some elbow grease

 

[navman]

surface plate and some 120 grit paper....

 

[JustinGreen]

Wetting with water will raise the grain and subsequent sandings will stay smoother. I wouldn't bother with alcohol if you intend on a really smooth finish.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

The alcohol was for looking at what it will be when sanded to a finer degree, not for actual sanding.