: Hi, Glen-

: I'm also a hardwood builder. I'm looking forward to you pictures!

: Two years ago, with the same bonding concerns you have, I called up West and
: talked to a helpful rep. He suggested that stopping sanding at a coarser
: grit would be the preferred method, as it would result in a better
: mechanical bond between epoxy and wood. Is it has turned out, I've always
: used MAS slow. But I have also always gone no finer than 80 grit, and
: usually stopped at 60 on the inside, and also on the outside of the hull.
: Knock on wood, so far, so good.

: Having written that, I don't know if going finer that that is a problem or
: not. I'd suggest making sure you do a final sanding immediately prior to
: epoxy, and also a generous seal coat, to optimize the bond strength.

: Enjoy! Mike

Thanks Mike and Jay! Your methods are similar to what I believed initially about sanding. Based on what I've read here, I have a plan. I'll stop sanding now with the 60 grit and begin with 120 grit that I have on hand. Final sanding with 120 grit by hand with the grain makes sense to me. As my old housebuilding mentor used to say, "we ain't building a piano here, son, get on with it". My regards to all you kayak builders, Glen