Sanding tip

I have been sanding several handles lately getting the ready for axe or hammer heads and reconditioning old handles on equipment like my set of loppers that had varnish on them from the factory and have now lost most of the finish leaving the wood weathered and dry.

I usually scrape the handles with a old knife that I rolled the edge to turn it into a scraper. This removes the varnish finish and anything else stuck on the handle faster than trying to sand through it. After scraping I progress through various grits of sandpaper up to 220 which I feel is smooth enough but still provides some traction.

Sanding by hand fatigues my hands quickly, caused by trying to hold even pressure. I found that using a scrap piece of leather as a backer to the paper relieves some of the fatigue. I also don't worry about getting splinters anymore since my hand is protected by a 8oz thick piece of leather.