ok I popped into the hardware store to see the sandpaper I think for medium you should get 80 or 90 grit and 120 - 160 grit to finish. I think I used to use 90 and 140 but don't quote me on that. If your not happy with the final sanding you can always buy a higher grit.

coffee table
 

Hi Pepperpixie,I see you have had a lot of advice but I might as well add my tuppence worth. It is a lovely table, by the way, and the fact that it is rustic style means that sanding etc wont be so obvious. Doesn't matter what type of wood it is really. The sandpaper comes fine, medium and coarse. This just means how gritty it is. you can buy a mixed pack with some of each in it. For bad marks or scratches start with coarse, then medium and finally fine paper. Putting the sandpaper round a block is as gormal said, to protect your hands and give an even finish. If you use it by hand you will find that each finger applies different pressure. Cleaning with white spirit afterwards just removes all the dust etc. and it evaporates so you are not wetting the wood. Wax polish is good as you can renew it whenever you want and it gives a nice dull glow. You can buy expensive furniture wax, beeswax etc. I have always used Lavender furniture wax which you buy in a little round tin like shoe polish tin in supervalue and other supermarkets. Gives a nice shine and a nice smell as well. Have a look at my post on before and after-amazing what people throw out-to see coffee table that I sanded and waxed. Cheers, Eibhlin.

Thanks Eibhlinn & Dannloads, have a few other jobs to do around house (taking advantage while i'm on maternity leave), so putting the table off as long as i can as even though you all make is sound so simple i'm still terrified. If i get through my list of stuff to do as planned i'll definitely have no excuse not to have table started by end of april