When To Start Sanding

[Robson Valley]

How do you judge when to stop carving and start sanding?
I don't know how to decide when "enough is enough."

[telecarver]

I carve as far as I can. When my tools or the wood don't allow me to go further, time to sand.

[pallin]

When the shavings you are removing are nearly the size of sanding dust. There are, of course, forms of carving that should not be sanded.

[Bob K.]

You just develop a feeling for when there is nothing left to carve off...then you start sanding. Personally I don't sand many of my carvings...I like the knife cuts to show.

[Tom-H]

Don't know! Never sanded one yet.

Tom H

[Robson Valley]

This is revealing! I'm working on a large frog. Frogs are smooth. I'd like to do that.
I thought I like the tool marks until I decided that the surface had to suit the critter.

[Bartster]

sanding never heard of it what is it? lolol i am like tom i dont sand mine either


bart

[carlt]

Don't sand on the stuff I do. Small guys and busts.

Carl

[mpounders]

I sand when it seems the most effective way to get the look I want. I try to carve as much as possible, but I usually sand to get a certain softness in some areas or to get a really smooth larger surface.The amount of sanding I do all depends on the style of carving. Someone said that sanding a carving of a female face makes it look ten years younger and I have found that to be true for my carvings. A lot of it is personal tastes in what you like.

[Robson Valley]

I will sand the frog for a smooth surface. Acrylic washes for a hint of green, won't be Kermit.
How do you judge the ability of the sanding process to get rid of tool marks? Experience?
I need to knuckle down and relearn how to post pictures.