Thanks, fellas! I hope to get some more work done & progress photos taken this coming weekend & early next week.
This reminds me of auto body work and painting (auto restoration is my hobby). You've got to fill in those low spots or they'll show through the finish!
@HolyRollah, (and maybe @Jayaruh ) in future, you might try some of this sanding cloth - http://www.woodworkingshop.com/product/sr81725/ (not necessarily that exact one, of course). I've found that when doing wood turning, it's exceptionally good to do the starting sanding while it's still on the lathe, and then when removed, the flexible "tape" works around curves really well. Much better than the sand"paper", even wet-dry. It's not the be-all and end-all, as it only goes to 600 grit; it's just a really good and easy starting point. (especially when I know that whatever I'm sanding is going to gum up the sandpaper. I use a small amount, throw it away, and get a fresh piece) The wood looks nice, and I'm looking forward to seeing what it's like when you're done. (Take the cracked blade to a high end welding shop? It won't be perfect, but maybe usable again?)