Neck heel prep

[Dave Bagwill]

The area around the heel has always been challenging for me, as far as sanding prep. The grain runs this way and that, and I don't think I've ever gotten it to look as good as it should. Any suggestions? (Internet pic, not my guitar)

[TonyinNYC]

I hate sanding the heel. But, it is an area of the guitar the owner will look at often so I try to get it looking good. I use a hard block to sand everywhere else on the guitar, but when I reach the neck and heel, I use a softer block. For the heel, I make strips of sandpaper backed with packing tape and I use a shoe shine method of sanding the heel.
First I lay the sandpaper on the bench rough side down, apply the tape to the back and then cut the paper into strips the full length of the sand paper but only 3/4" wide. I hold the guitar using my "Knee Clamp" (patent pending) and by pulling the paper back and forth like a shoe shine guy, I get the heel pretty well sanded. I usually have to touch up a bit with some small pieces of paper and a tiny cork block, but it is much easier for me than trying to sand it another way.
Also, on the neck and heel, I will go to 320 grit instead of the 220 I stop at on the body. I have used 400 grit and 600 grit as well, but I don't think its necessary to go that high. FYI: I finish with Nitro lacquer and I have not had any adhesion problems from burnishing the wood by using such a high grit as I have heard some people claim will happen. Seal with a 50/50 coat of the lacquer, pore fill, apply finish coats of lacquer.

[John Parchem]

On my last classical guitar I used a random orbital sander to reach in those areas. I am able to sand right up to the edge and it has a very short stroke. I found that it does not really hurt the adjoining side. I sanded pretty good by hand and strated the ROS at about 220 grit. I even sanded the heel with the ROS as the pad is flexable. But mainly I needed it right at the joint as I am not patient enough to do it by hand when there is no room to move the sandpaper with the grian.

[Dave Bagwill]

Thanks guys.

[TonyinNYC]

Are you asking about the neck before its attached cuz that's what I was talking about. Your pis is of an unfinished guitar which is what my response pertains to.

[John Parchem]

I mentioned my classical as I need to sand it attached. Un attached I sand it more like Tony, shoe shine style.

[Dave Bagwill]

I do that portion while the neck is off the body. But both comments are very helpful.
Thanks