Sanding down furniture to bare wood

[minimum97]

Hello
Would appreciate some advice please. I am just about to buy a random orbit sander for sanding down some furniture. Could I have some advice on how to sand down the bits that the random orbit won't reach - the detailed bits, the handles, the corners and inside some of the cupboards. Is the best thing to do it be hand? I have a black and decker mouse but it seems quite slow to do even with this - is there a better (i.e. quicker) tool I could get? Or is it just a case that it is something that is fiddly and takes a long time?
What about sanding the detail bit? I have found that even when hand sanding it is easy to sand off the edges :shock: Any tips on how to do this? Again is there a tool I should be using rather than doing it by hand?
Thanks all!

 

[rafezetter]

There are various ways to do the detail bits, sadly none of them "quick" for home users. A good quality SHARP scraper, or with care a chisel (by pulling it back towards you making sure the sharp edge is flat so the edges don't dig in) can be used in all the inside corners going WITH THE GRAIN!!!

Once you've got most of the finish off you can give the detail areas a sand by making a former pad from some scrap wood /ply / mdf to apply some sandpaper to with spray adhesive; a point, a roundover whatever.

For hand sanding the edges use a sanding block with one good flat face and train yourself not to push "over the edge"; try and keep the pressure a little towards the rear of the block so as the leading edge of the block get to the edge of the workpiece it overhangs without tipping forward.

The handles are a different kettle altogether, it depends on the shape for one. Round ones can be chucked into a drill and wire wool applied as it rotates, any other shape other than box shaped and you're, well bu******.

IF you INSIST and I mean absolutely insist on having the original handles back to bare wood, the easiet, least heartache method is to send them off to a sodablasting company to get them cleaned off. This will remove all the finish without marring any detail (at least the good companies can). If you do this make sure to take detailed photos of the handles before you send them including closeups of the details, just in case they make a botch of it.

The simplest option is to either paint them a bold color or buy new handles that accent the new look, lots of old wooden chest of drawers and such look great with ceramic handles. Don't be tempted to buy brand new bright brass handles, they look awful so try and find some vintage ones on ebay.

 

[Jacob]

Very difficult with unsatisfactory outcome likely . Basically it's something you should not do unless there is a special reason. Can't imagine what that would be.
If you want new-looking furniture then buy new furniture.

 

[minimum97]

Thanks both. Very much appreciated. Some really good tips Rafezetter and thanks for taking the time to write such a detailed reply. The reason I want to sand back Jacob, is because I want to sand and repaint some previously varnished furniture which is varnished antique pine. I am then going to distress it, but don't want the antique pine varnish showing through as I can't stand it!! I have instructions on how to do this but the sanding is taking ages, so wondered if you guys had some tips which you do I definitely don't want new looking furniture!
Thanks both again