On Monday, April 1, 2019 at 9:12:18 AM UTC-7, Gramps' shop wrote:
I usually sand to 220 prior to staining. Curious as to what others do.

Well, never 220; I'm usually working with softwoods, or plywood.
So, there's a few 60 grit hunks of sandpaper that I use to de-fur
router or saw cuts, and maybe some 120 grit to clean marks off the
wood. I've even used wire brush at times (exterior stained posts).

If it's GOOD wood, the next step is a cabinet scraper. Maybe a plane. Oil finish
is my preference, and I rarely want or expect a glassy smooth
surface. Sometimes I'll shellac, and french polish, which is forgiving (and useful
for repairs).