I am turning some bowls of cherry, and trying to sand to get a good
finish. One thing that is frustrating, is that there are always some
areas that just don't seem to sand out well. In fact, sometimes the
more I sand the worse it looks. These areas are usually diagonally
opposite each other, and I would assume they are areas where the grain
is changing direction. Any suggestions on how to deal with these areas
would be greatly appreciated.

James:

You are right -- you are on the inside and have found the trouble spot
-- where the end grain is unsupported as you are cutting.

First, I think that the shape of the bowl makes a difference. I see too
many bowls (some made by me) where the walls are too vertical in the
beginning and then it is necessary to make a major course correction as
we get near the bottom. If you can make a fair curve from top to
bottom, that will help. Also, the bowls will look much better.

Several things you can try...

Shear scrape -- it does wonders. You need a good wire edge and a gentle
touch with a heavy tool. A large wide tool also helps to clean up the
curve. You MUST raise the tool rest, use the scraper in a downward tilt
and cut a little bit ABOVE center, never below. Also, you need to keep
control of the tool because when a big scraper catches inside a bowl the
results can be dramatic -- spelled 'stitches'.

Use sanding sealer or shellac or wax on the inside, then scrape or shear
scrape. That will tend to hold the grain together so it will tend to
stay in place as you cut.

Realize that you cannot sand out tear out -- you need to get your tool
work better, even if it means taking a few lessons from somebody who
knows how to do it and can point out the mistakes you are making.

Hope this helps...

Bill

James Krzanowski wrote:
I am turning some bowls of cherry, and trying to sand to get a good
finish. One thing that is frustrating, is that there are always some
areas that just don't seem to sand out well. In fact, sometimes the
more I sand the worse it looks. These areas are usually diagonally
opposite each other, and I would assume they are areas where the grain
is changing direction. Any suggestions on how to deal with these areas
would be greatly appreciated.

"Several things you can try..." - - -

Or make segment bowls then you will have no end grain to contend with.

Walt Conner