Uploaded January 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
In today's video you'll learn a simple beginner method for flattening boards. Most beginners don't have a lot of tools, so this training video gives beginners the skills to flatten a board using only a random orbital sander and a straight edge.
Random orbital sander video: youtu.be/fXFnzZg-SPo
Belt sander video: youtu.be/o-dh-7ofZQE
📚 Learn to Use Your Router with Confidence
If you're new to woodworking or carpentry and want clear, beginner-friendly router training, check out my full Router Basics Course.
→bit.ly/4u0LaLE
🌟 Join Our Free Woodworking & Carpentry Community
Want beginner tips, tool advice, and project support?
I run a free community where you can ask questions, get answers, and learn alongside others.
→ bit.ly/41ouySk
📋 Affiliate Links — Tools I Personally Use and Recommend
(If you use these links, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!)
Adhesives
🔹 Starbond CA Glue (10% OFF) bit.ly/3h0wWUz
Get 10% off with code THA10 at checkout
Measuring & Marking Tools
🔹 Best Straight Edge Guide: amzn.to/3omQdX6
🔹 Combination Square: amzn.to/2X79Cgb
🔹 Speed Square: amzn.to/31fv02z
🔹 SOLA Carpenter’s Pencil: amzn.to/3GvTP4H
🔹 STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure: amzn.to/4iBPqKM
Hand Tools
🔹 Estwing Hammer: amzn.to/2VVnHMr
🔹 Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2BjHH1H
🔹 Pry Bar Scraper (Improved Model): amzn.to/2oGhKXu
🔹 15" Utility Pry Bar: amzn.to/437utTq
🔹 Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/3YSB8yp
Power Tools
🔹 Makita 7-1/4" Circular Saw: amzn.to/3GdBML9
🔹 Makita 6 1/2 Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/3REAnVW
🔹 Drill Combo Set: amzn.to/3lzu32c
🔹 Jigsaw: amzn.to/2AGpGua
🔹 5" Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/3DASm6d
🔹 Best Beginner Compact Router: amzn.to/2nEjDUe
🔹 Advanced Plunge Router: amzn.to/3rvxXNo
Workspace Essentials
🔹 DEWALT Stanley Sawhorse (Set of 2): amzn.to/42S4CO6
🔹 IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps: amzn.to/42GXNic
Safety Gear
🔹 3M 6503QL Respirator: amzn.to/3vVSGcA
🔹 P100 Filters (I use with the mask above): amzn.to/4jSmhvU
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:10 Recommended Sander
0:56 What is a Random Orbital Sander
1:28 What is a Straight Edge
1:42 Step #1 Visual Inspection
2:05 Step #2 Straight Edge Inspection
2:31 Tip: Using Light
3:05 Step #3 Marking High Spots
4:19 Choosing the right sandpaper
5:16 Step #4 Sanding & Inspecting
7:57 More Helpful Thoughts
9:17 Outro
My name is Josh Fedorka, and I’m the founder of Training Hands Academy™. I have been a carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. I have also held certifications in home energy auditing and have built several LEED certified homes in New England.
God has gifted me with many “hands on” skills and it is my calling and purpose to share those skills by teaching others. Whether it is to seek a career in carpentry, become a general contractor or improve one’s DIY skills and knowledge, the motivation behind THA is to help others successfully learn how to work with their hands.
In today's video you'll learn a simple beginner method for flattening boards. Most beginners don't have a lot of tools, so this training video gives beginners the skills to flatten a board using only a random orbital sander and a straight edge.
Random orbital sander video: youtu.be/fXFnzZg-SPo
Belt sander video: youtu.be/o-dh-7ofZQE
📚 Learn to Use Your Router with Confidence
If you're new to woodworking or carpentry and want clear, beginner-friendly router training, check out my full Router Basics Course.
→bit.ly/4u0LaLE
🌟 Join Our Free Woodworking & Carpentry Community
Want beginner tips, tool advice, and project support?
I run a free community where you can ask questions, get answers, and learn alongside others.
→ bit.ly/41ouySk
📋 Affiliate Links — Tools I Personally Use and Recommend
(If you use these links, I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel!)
Adhesives
🔹 Starbond CA Glue (10% OFF) bit.ly/3h0wWUz
Get 10% off with code THA10 at checkout
Measuring & Marking Tools
🔹 Best Straight Edge Guide: amzn.to/3omQdX6
🔹 Combination Square: amzn.to/2X79Cgb
🔹 Speed Square: amzn.to/31fv02z
🔹 SOLA Carpenter’s Pencil: amzn.to/3GvTP4H
🔹 STANLEY FATMAX Tape Measure: amzn.to/4iBPqKM
Hand Tools
🔹 Estwing Hammer: amzn.to/2VVnHMr
🔹 Wood Chisel Set: amzn.to/2BjHH1H
🔹 Pry Bar Scraper (Improved Model): amzn.to/2oGhKXu
🔹 15" Utility Pry Bar: amzn.to/437utTq
🔹 Klein Tools 11-in-1 Screwdriver: amzn.to/3YSB8yp
Power Tools
🔹 Makita 7-1/4" Circular Saw: amzn.to/3GdBML9
🔹 Makita 6 1/2 Cordless Circular Saw: amzn.to/3REAnVW
🔹 Drill Combo Set: amzn.to/3lzu32c
🔹 Jigsaw: amzn.to/2AGpGua
🔹 5" Random Orbit Sander: amzn.to/3DASm6d
🔹 Best Beginner Compact Router: amzn.to/2nEjDUe
🔹 Advanced Plunge Router: amzn.to/3rvxXNo
Workspace Essentials
🔹 DEWALT Stanley Sawhorse (Set of 2): amzn.to/42S4CO6
🔹 IRWIN QUICK-GRIP Clamps: amzn.to/42GXNic
Safety Gear
🔹 3M 6503QL Respirator: amzn.to/3vVSGcA
🔹 P100 Filters (I use with the mask above): amzn.to/4jSmhvU
---------------------------------------------------
0:00 Intro
0:10 Recommended Sander
0:56 What is a Random Orbital Sander
1:28 What is a Straight Edge
1:42 Step #1 Visual Inspection
2:05 Step #2 Straight Edge Inspection
2:31 Tip: Using Light
3:05 Step #3 Marking High Spots
4:19 Choosing the right sandpaper
5:16 Step #4 Sanding & Inspecting
7:57 More Helpful Thoughts
9:17 Outro
My name is Josh Fedorka, and I’m the founder of Training Hands Academy™. I have been a carpenter and woodworker for over 25 years. I have also held certifications in home energy auditing and have built several LEED certified homes in New England.
God has gifted me with many “hands on” skills and it is my calling and purpose to share those skills by teaching others. Whether it is to seek a career in carpentry, become a general contractor or improve one’s DIY skills and knowledge, the motivation behind THA is to help others successfully learn how to work with their hands.
