Red gum slab

[Trent76]

Hi, I have just sawed a Red Gum slab down to the size I need and I'm ready to sand it back.

What type of electric sander should I purchase? Also how many grades of sandpaper should I go through and what grade should I finish with?

Thanks.

[Pat]

Trent, how big is the slab? Is it off a chainsaw or woodwizz or mill?

For a small slab coffee table, roughly 700*400 I started with a belt sander and 36 grit and worked that up to 60 grit, the a Triton ROS from 80 grit up to 2000 grit. I also used sanding sealer, to raise the nape, from about 400 grit and wet sanded the oil finish at 2000 grit and the wipe on poly at the same grit. The finish that I obtained was smooooth, but it was for my daughter's 21st present, so I was able to write off extra gear and a fair bit of time from the boss, my wife:U

(PS I don't have a photo of the table finished :doh:)

[Trent76]

Size is now 2150 X 550, with one natural edge(bark).

I think its milled. Can I use a single power tool to sand or do I need multiple? It's going too end up being a glossy finish. I need to look into how to do that too.

Thanks.