"Derek Andrews" wrote in message
...
Keith Young wrote:
When preparing an object for the Bealle system, should the fininish be
sanded to 200 or 400 grit before applying the bealle system. Reason for
asking is that I,m trying to eliminate as much sanding as possible.

I have never heard of anyone sanding the finish before buffing. The
tripoli will take off any small blemishes in the finish, or at least in
danish oil. YMMV if you use something another finish. About the only
time I need to sand the finish is if I find some oil has leaked out of
an orifice somewhere, such as in a burl.


Difference between leveling and smoothing is why folks sand. The paper,
especially properly backed, will take out minor finish imperfections,
leaving a surface ready to be smoothed or polished.