How do you sand a slab?

Chisel: For removing bark.
Belt Sander: For aggressive material removal and initial sanding.
Orbital Sander: For smoothing and refining the surface.
Hand Sanding Block: For detail work and reaching tight spots.
Vacuum Cleaner: For dust removal.
Tack Cloth: For final dust removal.

To sand a slab effectively, you'll typically use a combination of tools and progressively finer grits of sandpaper.

Here's a breakdown of the process:

Bark Removal (If Applicable): Before sanding, if your slab has bark, carefully remove it using a chisel. Work along the edges to avoid damaging the wood surface.
Initial Sanding: Begin with a coarse grit sandpaper, such as 60 or 80 grit, to remove any significant imperfections, dirt, or rough areas. A portable belt sander or an orbital sander is ideal for this step, especially on larger slabs. Ensure you sand with the grain.
Medium Grit Sanding: Switch to a medium grit sandpaper, such as 120 grit. This step smooths out the scratches left by the coarser grit. Again, sand with the grain.
Fine Grit Sanding: Progress to a finer grit sandpaper, like 180 or 220 grit. This refines the surface and prepares it for finishing.
Very Fine Grit Sanding (Optional): For an exceptionally smooth finish, you can use a very fine grit sandpaper, such as 320 grit, as a final step.
Dust Removal: After each sanding stage, thoroughly remove the dust using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a tack cloth. This is essential for achieving a flawless finish.
Inspection: Carefully inspect the slab after each sanding stage to identify any remaining imperfections that need further attention.

Tools You Might Use:

Key Considerations:

Sanding with the grain: Always sand in the direction of the wood grain to avoid creating scratches that are more visible.
Progressive grits: Moving through increasingly finer grits is crucial for a smooth finish. Skipping grits can lead to uneven sanding and visible scratches.
Dust control: Removing dust between sanding stages is essential for a clean and even finish.
Safety: Wear appropriate safety gear, including a dust mask and eye protection.