Looking for advice on sandpaper

Hello,

I'll be sanding a wooden table with no paint on it, but just raw wood, with an electric sander.  I've been doing research on sandpaper and my head is spinning with choices, brands, and backing.

I'd love it if someone just told me what to buy.

Thanks so much.

Start with 120 grit, then 180 and 220.  Start the sander before setting it on the wood.  Let the machine do the work, don't press down on it.  Brand of sandpaper doesn't matter for one job.

what kind of sander? belt? orbital?

VanOker? 

To some degree the answer depends on the kind of wood and what the finish will be. Brand of paper isn't hugely important. Home Depot carries reputable enough paper for wood finishes for most projects. 

are you sanding it because its  a rough surface? Or to prepare it for the finish?

It's white pine, Bought the boards and will make table from it.  Will prepare for stain and poly.

yes, I should have added that a random orbit sander is the way to go.

just remember to use a pre-stain on pine. This will prevent blotching of the stain and final finish.

yes, pine can come out looking pretty poor after staining without proper prep.

Here are some tips: https://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/aw-extra-101013-staining-pine

dano said:

just remember to use a pre-stain on pine. This will prevent blotching of the stain and final finish.