Sanding before glassing

[GaryAlan]

Nearing the lamination phase of my 16' Northwest River Canoe. Have read in various places about how much sanding is needed. Some say 60-grit, others say fine. Some say sand until you're satisfied, others until you've had enough (that happened before I got the glue drips sanded away!).

The real question is - Does the wood need to be smooth as a baby's bottom, or are a 50+ woodworkers hands smooth enough? Does the epoxy resin really need an anchor tooth to "grab" onto?

 

[Jim Dodd]

My objective, is to remove swirl marks left by my ROS. I stop using the ROS at 100 or 120 grit, and then hand sand with either 120, or 150 grit.
I believe the epoxy will bond fine, whether it was finished with 80, or 120 grit. going more than 80, is more for appearance.

Jim