I finally stopped sanding my joystick shafts the wrong way

For about 6 months I was sanding my replacement joystick shafts with the grain lengthwise. Felt like it was taking forever and the finish was always rough. Last week a buddy watched me do it and pointed out I should be going in circles with fine grit. Now it takes me 3 minutes instead of 15 and the smoothness is way better. Anyone else learn a basic skill backwards for way too long?

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1 Comment

veramartin5d agoTop Commenter

Actually, sanding in circles leaves swirl marks if you look close enough. Going with the grain lengthwise is proper for wood, but on metal or plastic shafts you want a consistent direction on the final pass. Light pressure with 400 grit going one way then a buffing compound will beat both methods.