Scraping, Sanding Old Outdoor Paint

[maxcalvada]

I own a very old house and apparently previous owners didn't bother to scrape too much old paint off before a fresh coat was added. As a result, there's that uneven, crumbling look.

I just started using a heat gun and scraper but it still comes out uneven and scratchy looking wood in some places.

I'm thinking maybe I should finish off with a sander to smooth it out. I've got a small Black and Decker sander, but it doesn't seem to do the job.

Could anyone recommend perhaps a bigger, more powerful sander that I might want to try? And what level sandpaper should I use?

Thanks.

 

[Snoonyb]

Start hand sanding with 100 grit, and adjust from there.

 

[joecaption]

If it's a really old house you well be dealing with lead based paint which is a health hazzard.
They sell lead testing kits any place paint is sold.
If it is lead based paint you can use a chemical stripper.
They make safe citris and Soy based strippers.