Cabinet scraper

[Dave Gray]

Is it advisable to sand with a light grit, say 180 or 220, after using a cabinet scraper? It seems the wood is so smooth due to the shearing of fibers that I am not certain as to how will it will accept a stain.

[MiddleAgesMan]

I think a light massage with some sandpaper would be a good approach, but I'm not a scraper expert by any means.

[Jay Greer]

I use cabinet scrapers in my work. But, I most always sand after using them, especially if I plan to stain the wood prior to applying a finish. 220 is an acceptable grit for a final sand. However in some instances such as applying water based stains and French polish, I may go even finer.
Jay
http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a0d635b3127ccefa897a58c6ed00000040O00QYsmrNy5bsQ e3nwg/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[chas]

Properties of the wood will affect the staining process. Smoothed pine will accept stain more readily than hard maple, which seems to benefit from a fine sanding before trying to apply stains. Sometimes you need a little tooth? to help blend in the blotchy areas.

120 grit helps when I go back to square one. / Jim

[Paul Girouard]

I sand after I scrape when I use a scraper. I also generally apply a sanding sealer like Daly's Benite , or other recommend sealer for the stain type I'm going to use.

[ssor]

Unless you scrape continously from one edge to the other you will need to sand the stops and starts. Scraping is helpful when the grain is contrary and chips under a plane.

[Jay Greer]

Unless you scrape continously from one edge to the other you will need to sand the stops and starts. Scraping is helpful when the grain is contrary and chips under a plane.
Starts and stops are avoided by working from the unscaped wood into the scraped with a feathering motion just as in painting.
Jay

[Dave Gray]

Thank you for your replies. Ages ago when I worked in a hardware store we used to sell sanding sealer. The local Miller paint store doesn't have it so I will need to make a small journey.

[Jay Greer]

Sanding sealer can be nothing more than clear acrylic lacquer. Available from auto paint stores, it dries fast and provides a uniform surface for staining. Sealer should always be sanded prior to appying stain,
Jay