Sanding

[Backyarder]

Just finished my first project except for the finishing. Now comes time to sand it down. Can anyone suggest the process to go through with the grits. Ie start with 180 end with 60. I am just guessing as I am a amateur.

[Wongo]

Ie start with 180 end with 60.

???

I will start with 80, 120 and 320.

[DaveInOz]

The higher the number the finer the grit. ie 40 is coarse, 1500 is smooth.
The courser the grit the faster the wood removal, the rougher the finish.

So the 'normal' MO is to start with a course grit (60 or 80) until it is the shape you want - flat, smooth curve etc.
Then go to the next grit (120) and sand until all scratches left by the last grit have been replaced with the finer scratches of the new grit.
Then go to the next grit (180) and sand until all scratches left by the last grit have been replaced with the finer scratches of the new grit.
Then 240, 320, 400 ..... and so on until the scratches are so small it is smooth (smooth enough for what you want).

What you will use the piece for, photo frame, indoor furniture, outdoor furniture etc will determine how smooth it needs to be, it is personal choice.
For indoor furniture I sand to 400, for polishing oil finish I go to 1500, for outdoor furniture I go to 240.

Go easy with the course stuff to start with, its easier to take more wood off than put it back. With the finer stuff just keep going until you're happy