Here's how I look at most all sanding.
1. There is sanding to finish refining a shape. (up to and including 220 grit)
2. There is sanding to smooth and prepare the surface. (above 220 grit)
You need to be mindful of excessive heat and uneven pressure. There are many ways to accomplish both of these but that's the basics.
JMO

Glenn Jacobs wrote on Oct 27^th, 2020 at 10:15am:


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There have been a few instances where I've resorted to using a carbon steel scraper with well formed curl to bring a bowl surface up to = 120 and then sanding where needed.

This last week I spent a good bit of time re acquainting myself with the basic small bowl turning process and trying to upgrade some of my procedures.  I turn mostly simple shaped bowls with no beads.  I have found that I can do a fast and good sanding job on the outside by setting the lathe to a slow speed and using a random orbit sander on the outside with the lathe running.  Yes, it takes some time to figure out just how to hold the sander to keep it from bouncing.  Inside I use a 2" or 3" soft foam pad rotated in a portable drill with the lathe running.  I use a setscrew to lock the chuck and do a short sanding session running in reverse too.  Again with just a little practice to figure out what you can and cannot do.  Yesterday I made a couple of 6" bowls.  I used 80 grit, 120 grit, 220 grit and Doc's walnut oil.  I probably spent 10 min sanding and finishing on each one.  They look pretty good.  I do some touch up sanding on the inside and outside with one of the Sorby hand sander pads if needed.