first proper bowl comment and criticism please

[nicguthrie]

Thanks for the tip about sanding marks Chas. I don't have a rotational thingy for sanding yet, but it's on the wish list. Just can't buy everything at once

I suspect some of my marks are coming from when I apply the finish too. I often use Shellawax, and while it leaves a gorgeous finish, I reckon I need to get better "cloths" to apply it than the paper towel I'm using, as when it creases under pressure (Shellawax is a friction polish type finish) I suspect the creases in the paper are showing through to the finish too on mine. I suspect this as I've sanded to beyond 1000 grit before and still had what looked like sanding rings in the actual finish.

When I can, I'm going to buy some soft cotton rags for the Shellawax, and use it french polish rubber style so that (hopefully) padding the surface taut will stop creasing under pressure.

That is unless more experienced heads have a better tip to avoid this?

 

[CHJ]

Yes when applying any finish that has a burnishing or friction element try to move rapidly and randomly from side to side so that you avoid the continuous circumferential build-up tracks.

 

[Brianp]

I don't have a rotational thingy for sanding yet, but it's on the wish list. Just can't buy everything at once

A sanding arbour for a cordless drill, assuming you have the drill already, was a surprisingly inexpensive buy, I found, in the region of €5 or so. Of course you'll have a selection of grits to buy, but you can build those up as you go.