teak deck sanding (apologies)

[kashurst]

apologies, I have searched the forum but can't find what I am looking for.
off to boat next week in Spain but forecast is looking a bit rubbish. So thinking of reviving teak decks a bit if we end up sat in the marina.
need to trim the caulking flush on the swim platform, looking at using a multi-tool with a sharp blade so as to avoid pulling caulking up. Then a very light sand just to get everything flush. Teak is 9mm thick and largely in very good condition.

Question: what grade of sandpaper to use and should I use a belt sander or a random orbit jobbie.

 

[Firefly625]

Have done a bit of this, I used a chisel to remove high caulking (razor sharp chisel and I regularly re/sharpened), I found quicker and more controlled than multi-tool, but maybe just me. Sanding used my mirka deros orbital sander with vacuum, 180grade. Worked well. Produces a load of dust so a v good dust extraction sander a must imo

 

[jrudge]

Agree. And use the chisel upside down - helps keep it level - right way up can gouge the wood

 

[burgundyben]

https://www.axminster.co.uk/veritas-flush-plane-368047

These are fab. Keep it very sharp.

The secret to tidy woodworking is sharp tools.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Have done a bit of this, I used a chisel to remove high caulking (razor sharp chisel and I regularly re/sharpened), I found quicker and more controlled than multi-tool, but maybe just me. Sanding used my mirka deros orbital sander with vacuum, 180grade. Worked well. Produces a load of dust so a v good dust extraction sander a must imo

I was told by someone in the trade that teak dust is carcinogenic (can anyone confirm this?) so definitely ensure protection from dust

 

[Firefly625]

I was told by someone in the trade that teak dust is carcinogenic (can anyone confirm this?) so definitely ensure protection from dust

LJS I also have been told this... so must be true!

I cannot recommend more highly the Mirka Deros range of dust extraction sanders. Used with the Abranet sanding discs the dust particles pass through the disc and when connected to a powerful vacuum dust free sanding.

 

[Firefly625]

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

 

[burgundyben]

https://www.wood-database.com/wood-articles/wood-allergies-and-toxicity/

Yep, pretty nasty.

 

[[2068]]

Blimey - I did not know this :ambivalence:

 

[Scarron]

LJS I also have been told this... so must be true!

I cannot recommend more highly the Mirka Deros range of dust extraction sanders. Used with the Abranet sanding discs the dust particles pass through the disc and when connected to a powerful vacuum dust free sanding.

Tick, I have one of these and it's a brilliant piece of kit; lightweight & powerful yet really controllable so you can do delicate work too, the abranet discs are a revelation. it's costly in relation to my big Makita but on a bigger job it pays for itself really quickly cos you can keep going much longer.

 

[BartW]

The secret to tidy woodworking is sharp tools.

+1,

and I'm a big fan of a Fein, with the correct blades, the most used tool on our boat (not just another multitool imo)

re sanding, on the few occasions we used a Bosh orbital sander, never belt ! don't remember the grain number,
the pro's in Italy use a angle grinder model sanding tool but I'm afraid that the unexperienced user will take off too much wood.

I would never do the sanding at end of season,
the two occasions that we did that was right before the new season, as I like that straw brown collor so much ! (while using the boat and being in holiday mode)