What tricks does anybody have for sanding into the ends?  I can get a sanding block within an inch but I'm left with some rough looking work beyond that.  I'm considering gluing a plate in to hide it but if there's a way to get it looking decent, I'd skip that step.

The only way to get in there is with sandpaper and your hands. Lots of sanding. That's how I always did it and I had popeye forearms because of it.
Tom

I use those stiff sanding discs they use on drills. You use them without the drill of course.

Another, glue some course sand paper to a flat flexible stick.
Here is a link that should help !

1JimD

I use an old yard stick. Wrap the sp around the end and have at it.
CB

I've been using an 8" piece of lathe but a yard stick sounds like it would give great leverage. Thanks.