Sanding Strategies...
I used the traditional 150, 240, 320, 400, 600 with my first pens, and always managed to either create scratch marks or remove more surface than I wanted.
So I tried several approaches, and here's a finishing routine that works for me:
1. Burnish with 0000 steel wool. I move the steel wool quickly from side to side against the surface with medium pressure.
2. Sand with 400 grit. Use this to size the ends with the bushings. Again, make certain the sandpaper is in constant motion.
3. Stop the lathe and check for blade marks. If they are still present, continue sanding with 400 until they're gone.
4. 0000 Steel Wool.
5. 600 grit sandpaper - very lightly.
6. 0000 Steel Wool
7 Clean the surface with Acetone.
8. One or more passes with Triple E.
9. Hand turn a pass of Mylands.
10. Another Mylands, motor on, slow speed (1200-1300 rpm)
11. Another Mylands, motor on, slow speed.
12. Polish motor off with a cotton cloth.
13. Beeswax, motor on. Buff with cotton cloth.
14. Polish, motor off with cotton cloth.