After the final coats of finish have cured their allotted time, I'll sand the whole works level, progressing up to 1500 grit. After which, we head to the buffers.

This beast of a buffer began life 40 years ago at a downhill ski resort! It was used to strip the wax off the skis, sharpen the edges, and then buff the freshly waxed ski. I now use it as a sander/grinder(6x48), and as my primary buffer.

My second buffer is a little less intimidating in appearance. In all, I'll progress through 4 different polishing compounds

The final of the compounds is a liquid paste, Menzerna "Intensive Polish" for those of you playing along at home. I smear some on the mandolin, and...

...take it to my final buffs

Now the fin begins, as we're closing-in on string up time! Note the clean, clutter-free work area......

All the tape has been removes, and everything cleaned up

I begin the setup by dressing the fret ends

..

Lynn Dudenbostel showed me these great little files he had, and I immediately brought some in, also. They only cut on their sides; their edges are smooth.

With their smooth edges, we don't risk marring the fretboard, and can dress the fret right down to the fretboard. I had homemade versions of these before, but after seeing and trying Lynn's, I tossed mine aside!