Probably - get a can of paste wax (I'm using Minwax currently) and wipe it
onto the bowl w/a paper towel before sanding w/your coarsest grit. It
softens the wood slightly, allowing you to quickly deal w/the tearout in
short order. With the wax on there, sanding is much cooler. All the wax
will be sanded off before you get to the finishing stage.

Thanks, I'll have to try that.

-Steve