How to Sand Cedar Burl Tables

Wrap a piece of 220 grit sandpaper around a scrap wood block that is sized to fit comfortably in your hand.

Following the grain pattern as much as possible, gently move the block and sandpaper back and forth across the portion of the burled wood that will become the top of the table. The object is to leave the unique characteristics of the burl intact while removing saw and planer marks from the surface of the wood.

Use a sheet of 400 grit sandpaper across the table top once the saw marks have been taken down. Follow the grain pattern in an up and back motion. You won't need the wood block in this step. Some woodworkers use linseed oil poured onto the surface of the wood and rubbed into the wood with 400 grit sandpaper. This process helps seal the wood so that finishing steps will produce a smooth, shiny surface.

Gently sand the edges of the table top with small pieces of 400 grit sandpaper. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the piece, but don't over sand, which can remove all the character of the burl.

Switch to 800 grit sandpaper for the final sanding. Each progressive step in grit removes tiny lines and grooves left behind from the previous sanding. 800 grit sandpaper will help produce a clean, smooth piece. Follow the same pattern as before by following the grain and using only gentle pressure. Also use 800 grit paper to follow behind the sanding just completed on the sides.