How to Remove Router Marks

Q.  What’s the best way to remove burn marks left by a router?

A.  Sometimes when cutting across the wood grain at a low feed rate, the wood can burn leaving unsightly dark marks. If you can spare the wood stock, the easiest way is to get a new bit and carefully make one more pass with the router (a cut as shallow as 1/64 inch should remove the marks). Sanding with a fine-grit abrasive is another option, but sanding a routed profile can be difficult. You’ll find it easier to sand out burn marks if you apply mineral spirits to the burn before sanding. After a few minutes the spirits will penetrate the glazed area, and the marks should be easy to sand off.
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