My last project post was all about the shopping (the oh-so-easy part) but in today's thrilling episode, I actually do a little work - the prep.
I notoriously am impatient at the start of a project. I detest making gauge squares (I just want to knit already!), am not a fan of pattern cutting (Let's get that sewing machine humming!) and figured sanding the desk would evoke similar feelings - but I actually enjoyed it...
...in part because I really didn't like the color/finish of the desk and was happy to see it eradicated after living with it for way too long. Honestly though, I think the real reason it was quite pain-free was because the sander worked well. It was easy to use and generally made what could have been a tedious step quite speedy. Go Mouse!
Here's the breakdown of what I did -
Step One: The desk is actually just the bottom part of a roll-top desk. I definitely don't want a roll top (I didn't like the proportions of the piece with the roll top on it AND it just encouraged the hiding and hoarding of junk in there - not good). I removed the roll top piece some time ago, but there were four holes in the top of the desk where it had been attached, so this was the chance to make a fix and to fill them with wood putty.
I filled the holes very carefully, avoiding making a mess on the surrounding wood. It was not really filling them properly. I was trying to be too careful. Why bother? I was about to sand the heck out of the thing!
I wised up, globbed it on and didn't worry that it looked scary. Let dry overnight.
Step Two: Break out the sander! Unpacked it, attached a piece of medium grade sandpaper (it velcros on!) and go. Vroom vroom. Oops - not wearing a mask! Oops - didn't buy any! Darn it. Check the art supplies/tools closest in the kitchen. We have a package of masks. Yay! Start sanding in earnest. Easy and fun.
Step Three: Vacuum off all the dust, clean up all supplies and feel virtuous.
Copyright © 2008 Apartment Therapy
Janel - what kind of vacuum is that? Do you like it? It looks small and efficient and I love the color!
view aaron's profile
Glad to hear you like the Mouse. I am contemplating getting one for a armoire and dresser refinishing project. Anyone else have comments about this little sander?
view Sarah1083's profile
i would recommend rubbing it down with a wet cloth after this step. often the really fine wood dust is still stuck to it and can cause problems with painting later.
the downside if that the thin layer of sawdust it what usually makes it feel so smooth and soft, once it's removed, more sanding might be in order.
view jmorey's profile
aaron - it's a Hoover and i'd categorize it somewhere in between a wimpy vacuumn and a really really good dust buster. in other words, its great for dusting/cleaning/projects/hardwood floors and NOT so great on carpet. it was inexpensive (under $50) , it does look super cute and is easy to store, so i like it.
sarah1083- yes, thumbs up on the mouse
jmorey - thanks for the tip!
view janel's profile
I've used the mouse too, and was very happy with it.
view nwu's profile
Thanks Janel...I own a Dyson Root 6 that already fits that bill (i love it!). I need a larger option for floors. I will keep looking! (trying to avoid the Dyson Slim that Maxwell loves...so expensive!)
view aaron's profile
oh and good luck on your project!
view aaron's profile
According to the great and very helpful guy at home depot (Ottawa), the Mouse (he has one) is great for small projects with corners, curves etc, but takes quite a long time if used on larger projects ie. dressers etc. I opted for something else.
view sherry2's profile
I like the mouse for the price and if the project is not overly demanding....but hey if it burns out on the first project bring it back! And it'll need more sanding then after you're all done sanding use some steel wool on it to really smooth it out and clean off the dust.
view Patrickinchicago's profile