Can Finish Prevent Tearout? (plus more of your questions!) | Ask TWW

Written on 06/20/2025
Marc Spagnuolo

Sponsored by Woodcraft! 

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On this episode of Ask TWW, we’ll not only see a new trick for taming tearout, but we’ll discuss everything below:

🪵 Topics Covered:

Hard Wax Oil on Countertops: Got a worn-out Rubio finish? Just give it a light sanding and reapply. No need to switch products—Rubio’s ease of repair is one of its biggest perks. Want to learn how to apply Rubio (or any hardwax oil) to furniture? Check out this video!

Skipping Sanding Grits: Can you jump from 120 to 180 grit? Technically yes, but adding 150 grit makes things more efficient and helps avoid swirl marks.

Epoxy for Soft Wood: Penetrating epoxies can toughen up soft woods like cypress. They’re not magic, but they do help.

Finish as Tear-Out Prevention: Tearout is as old as woodworking. Could there be a new trick for tackling tearout? Someone asked if applying finish firms up the fibers enough to help keep them intact during a cut. Initial tests show a some improvement, but more testing is needed.

Dust Filter Cleaning: Compressed air works, if you’re gentle. Manual tapping helps, too. For a serious upgrade, check out agitators from Myers Woodshop.

T1-11 Wall Prep: A quick sanding and optional stain can make shop walls look cleaner and film better on camera—but it’s all personal preference.

Handling Criticism: Whether online or in person, some advice is worth considering… and some you can politely ignore.

📚 Bonus:

Don’t forget to check out my books Essential Joinery and Hybrid Woodworking, available as signed copies from TWWSTore.com Great resources for woodworkers at any level!