I've been turning for less than a year and my skills are improving and I'm obsessed with the entire process. I have run into something I can't seem to solve. When I turn a bowl I can't seem to get the end grain smooth. I went to my Woodcraft store and talked with a couple of turners and they gave me a couple suggestions. I wanted to see if you agree.
Make sure the tools are extremely sharp. Obviously, I agree with this
Use a "scraper" for the final turn
Turn at the highest speed possible
Sand Sand Sand
I would appreciate any thoughts.