What type sander should be used on a butcher block counter top?

Question

What grade of sandpaper? Should mineral oil be used on the surface?

Answer 1

I agree with the first answer but the reality is that you are hemmed in by the constraint of running into the backsplash and cabinets. I would check the surface, after it has dried out, with a straight edge- belt sand the high spots and orbital sand the rest with a varying degree of grits. Hand sanding is good but can be time consuming. Mineral spirits used at the last to seal it all.

Answer 2

I wouldn't go below 100 grit. If you want to clean then 100 If you want to smooth it out from 120 to 150. Really fine sanding about 200. Those orbital sanders are a gimmick and I found using my arm work much better. A belt sander has a habit of digging in and making marks.

If you want to make them still get it run through a thicknesser first and if there is a company with a belt sander put it through that.

You can use oil for the general counter tops as long as you make sure it is sealed properly.

Answer 3

I do these in alot of restaurant remodel work and can tell you that this is going to depend on the condition of the block.  Use a belt sander to cut down the surface and make it flat again and then follow up with using an orbital finishing sander and successive grits of paper up to 320/400 grit.  If the surface is rough and cut up start with anywhere from 50-80 grit with the belt sander and then go to 100 to 150/180 to 220 to 320.  Dewalt makes the best finishing sanders in either 1/4" sheet or 5" round orbital.  The 5" Round is more aggressive and will also provide a great finishing sanding.

Oiling the block was typical in the old days, but with the transfer of todays food born illnesses your better off leaving the wood natural and regularly cleaning and wiping it down with water and a clorine bleach solution.