Hey everyone! I'm working on my very first woodworking project, a rectangle TV unit, and I'm unsure about the best practice when it comes to sanding. Specifically, should I sand my two pieces of 2x12x6 wood before gluing them together side by side, or is it better to wait until after I've glued them? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
1 Answer
It's usually smart to do a bit of sanding before gluing to ensure a tight seam. Just remember, save the finish sanding for after the glue sets. Also, make sure to wipe away any excess glue with a damp cloth before it dries; dried glue is a pain to sand and won’t hold stain well either.

Thank you for the tip! After reading this, I've decided on my plan:
1. Use a planer for even surfaces
2. Sand at 80 grit
3. Glue the pieces together
4. Use clamps if they fit, but I might need some suggestions if they don't!