Sandpaper or Steel Wool ??

I've always used the different grades of steel wool on many woodworking projects over the years. Having entered into the guitar building playground, I find no reference at all to it's use. Every resource I pull directs me back to
sandpapers up to the wet 2000 grit kind for finishing. My question is, Why?
Other than the wool particles flaking off during the rubout process, which require some diligent cleaning and tacking, what is so special about wet sanding? I've applied about 6 coats of gloss lacquer to my maple neck and whe finished, plan to rub out with 0000 super fine wool before compounding and polishing. :roll: Is this not a wise path to take? Thanx.

The better option is to use Scotchbrite pads. They work as well as steelwool, but they tend to not shed. If you miss even one strand of the wool, it will begin to rust and ruin your finish.

Sanding with wet sandpaper allows you to block sand to get a perfectly flat surface on a body. Don't see how you could do that with steel wool. Not so important with a neck.

Sanding with wet sandpaper allows you to block sand to get a perfectly flat surface on a body. Don't see how you could do that with steel wool. Not so important with a neck.

+1 on that - sandpaper is a much better option a lot of the time.

Thanx. I guess it's just an old preference. I'm with you on the flat surface sanding and yes,on the body, I'm using a block. They cover a lot more territory as well. I'll stick with the 0000 wool on the neck. I'm only using it after the final topcoat and before the grit and polish.....Just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to get struck by lightning by the guitar gods. Thanx!!!

micro mesh.............1500-12,000 grit...............

micro mesh.............1500-12,000 grit...............



Kind of an oxy-moron really. Grit the size of... what.... Chiggers? :eek: