Thank goodness, I have now finished the bulk of the sanding, both on the table and chairs, I finished this on Thursday, unfortunately yesterday was taken up with a medical appointment, so I hope to start on the varnishing on Monday, provided my stitches following the operation are not causing a problem.
The sanding consisted of five grades, starting with 80 grit, then 100, 200, 320 and finally 400 grit, I had planned on up to 600, but to be honest the oak is really smooth now, and the quality of the furniture does not warrant taking it any further.
I am just hoping that some of the manufacturing defects in the build do not show, or at least are minimised by the varnishing, of which there will have to be four coats, to obtain the colour we want, I plan on using a sponge, to cut out brush marks, again I will experiment to find out the best method for this furniture.
An Englishman in Colombia 