Sandpaper vs. scraper

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The background: I'm making a Shaker table with a radiused edge, 1/4" and 1/2 " radii. The wood (cherry) is a bit soft. I haven't yet gotten the palne iron the shape to match the sole of the plane.

Question 1: How does one do that? Is the answer just "Very carefully?" or is there a trick?

Question 2:  What is the history of sandpaper and when did it come into use by the Shakers, if ever? I have always assumed that it would be inauthentic to use sandpaper rather than scrapers but this project is making me rethink that.
 
There are many references to different abrasives used during period times. This is a good avenue to consider:
The First American Furniture Finisher's Manual    The Cabinet-makers
Guide of 1827 Edited by Robert D Mussey, Jr  ISBN# 0-486-25530-1. A Dover publication!
There are many regional ( in the states) abrasives to consider also. Sand paper, glass paper, reeds, shark skins scrapers, plus others.
After most American techniques are considered we need to considered period wood conditioning techniques from other countries also.
 
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