OK, here we go with a step-by-step from prep to finish.
First a visual inspection. I use benzene/naphtha/lighter fluid/white gas, (what every you want to call it because it's all the same thing) to wipe the entire body down. This step will show me any sanding scratches or dings that need to be dealt with.
This body is in pretty good shape but a ding showed up at the neck pocket.
I steam these up with a wet rag and a soldering iron. Be careful not to burn the wood unless your name is Great Ape. :icon_thumright:
Next I do the final finish sanding with Norton 320.
I always use sanding blocks to insure every thing stays level.
For the sides and horn I use this round sanding block.
I also take a round item and wrap it with paper and roll the edges in the neck pocket. It is very hard to keep finish on the really sharp edges and this helps. I used a Sharpie pen for this one since I did not have any broken drum sticks laying around.
The last thing I do is hit it with compressed air and get rid of all the sanding dust. From this point on there will be no step I do that the surface does not get hit with compressed air first.
And now the wood is prepped and ready to begin the finishing steps.
