Random orbit sander confusion

[q9]

If I were you I'd buy some 240 and start with that. You are grinding, not sanding, with lower grits. That will not tolerate bad technique. 240 will be much more forgiving.

As mentioned, if you are trying to remove deep scratches, steaming with an iron is a better way to go. I usually put a tea towel or some other cotton rag over the top and iron over that. Use steam settings and /or dampen the cloth.

Scratches are most usually just compression of the wood. So there is the possibility of expanding it back out. If you try to sand scratches out, you have to reduce all the other wood down to the level at the bottom of the scratch.

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[Mnb]

Thought I would let you know that I sorted the issue with the Ryobi ROS.

First my lack of experience definitely got in the way. More experienced, slightly, with sanding I had a better idea of what to expect, the grits to use, expected time and such which made it easier to work out.

Last time I was trying to sand pieces narrower than the size of the sanding pad which was not a good idea for someone who had never used an ROS before.

I took q9's advice and started with 240 grit to get the hang of it on my coffee table top. I got the feel fairly quickly that way.

As was suggested by most of you guys the dust collection was/is much of the issue. The better I get that the better the result is becoming.

Thanks everyone. I wouldn't have gotten why ROS' are so popular without your help.

Take care,

Mary.