> Hank, The only problem I have with wet sanding is that it is difficult to
> tell how far I have sanded because I cant see the "rough". Do
> you not worry about that with 180? I'll try the rag or spray bottle, my
> usual hose is too much water. Also, are you hand sanding? I have usually
> used a air-driven "jitterbug". It works great on the finer
> grits, in prep for varnish, but I find the ROS with 80-grit fastest and
> easiest for smoothing the epoxy.

Hi Don,

If you are having problems seeing where you are while wet sanding try the spray bottle and sponge routine. I find that when I am wet sanding the paper cuts at a predictable rate and I don't get any surprises - never had any problems using 180 grit.

Mist the surface and start sanding, adding water until you feel that paper floating and the abrasive cutting the surface. You will know what I mean because it is an obvious thing - the sandpaper is not "skating" or dragging - it is cutting. If the surface is too dry you will see a paste forming and lose the sensation that the grit is cutting - add a bit of water. Similarly, you will also notice when the sandpaper gets dull. If you suspect that the sandpaper has lost its edge, compare the used surface against the unused sides that you are gripping, if it feels too smooth - get an other piece. Sand a bit, quick swipe with the sponge, swish the sandpaper in the sponge bucket and continue sanding.

Sand in a circular motion using you body (like paddling), switch hands regularly and you won't get fatigued. I wasn't really kidding when I said "wax on - wax off" - I stand in kiba-dachi (horse-stance) when sanding - looks funny but works great (my Sensei would be pleased).

I agree that a ROS does a fast easy job. I have a BOSCH 3107 DVS that I am very pleased with - at 3.3 amp it can really raise a cloud of dust!

I still hand sand much of the hull. Quiet is nice, thats why I paddle instead of using an outboard ;-)

Hope this helps.

Hank