Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Dec 29, 2005 07:59pm | #1

   Most finishers avoid commercially available tack cloths.  The frequently deposit more contaminates than they clean the surface.

   Most use just a rag dampened with mineral spirits.  For waterborne finishes, a rag dampened with water is best.  Both of these catch and remove dust as well as any tack cloth without the danger of depositing contaminates.  Reusuing a tack rag risks moving bad stuff from one surface to another.

   Most dust that ends up in finishes is caused by dust floating in the air or coming off your clothes.  Tack cloths do not help this.

   Howie.........
2. 
   jazzdogg | Dec 29, 2005 08:35pm | #2

   You might want to try a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.

    

   -Jazzdogg-

   "Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Gil Bailie

1. 
   lowangle | Dec 30, 2005 01:37am | #3

   Thanks for the replies.  I'll try the rags w/mineral spirits.  I haven't found the vacuum with brush to be enough.

3. 
   ring | Dec 30, 2005 03:21pm | #4

   Use a cotton knit rag and spray a bit of whatever finish you're about to use on the rag to wipe with.  It's sticky enough and will never contaminate your finish because it's identical.

   DR

1. 
   lowangle | Jan 01, 2006 12:03am | #6

   Although I see where this may be a good idea, if you are going to stain a piece before finishing then you can't wipe it with finish first , can you?

1. 
   ring | Jan 01, 2006 02:22pm | #7

   No, but then again I never felt the need to use a tack rag before staining.  If there's just a bit of dust on the surface it doesn't matter at this stage.

   DR

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 02, 2006 05:26pm | #8

   If you have worked with glue on, or around, the project a wipe down with naptha is a good idea just to reveal any spot where glue has strayed to the surface.  Better before than after the stain.   

4. 
   forestgirl | Dec 31, 2005 08:17am | #5

   I stopped using tack cloths a long time ago.  I vacuum, if necessary, and wipe with Naptha.  Personally, I don't like using mineral spirits -- smelly and takes too long to dry.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Ribeye | Jan 05, 2006 10:10pm | #12

   Yeah, Naptha can give a good clean high compared to Mineral Spirits -- but shucks, the brain damage goes deeper and is longer-lasting as well.

   You pick the upside of using Naptha over MS.-- Steve

   Enjoy life & do well by it;

   (it might well be the only chance you get.)

5. 
   Pondfish | Jan 04, 2006 10:23pm | #9

   I use the newer microfiber cloths.  They work great, and can be washed over 100x.  The only problem I have with them is that they are so good at picking up dust, they always seem to quickly get covered with dust and shavings.

   A pack of three at a big box will run you about $5.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 05, 2006 10:24am | #10

   I've been wondering about those and how they would work for us woodworkers.  Thanks for the report.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   Gretchen | Jan 05, 2006 04:00pm | #11

   Got maybe a dozen at Sam's or Costco for $8?Gretchen

1. 
   John_D | Jan 06, 2006 01:02am | #13

   Another good bargain there is shelf liner, same stuff we buy as router mats, but less than half price.My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 06, 2006 08:25am | #14

   Yep, I buy a roll of shelf liner every year or two.  BIG roll!  Cheap!forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

6. 
   Gnome | Jan 06, 2006 03:20pm | #15

   I use swiffers. They are electrostatic and really do a good job. Cheap enough to toss out when done.

1. 
   mudman | Jan 10, 2006 07:56pm | #16

   That is one of those ideas that could win a prize in a magizines readers tips section. Better hurry and send it in. Seriously!

   Mike

1. 
   Gnome | Jan 11, 2006 04:23pm | #17

   It isn't my idea. I read it in a woodworking book somewhere, but danged if I can remember which one. CRS strikes again. CRS means (can't remember #%@&)

1. 
   mudman | Jan 12, 2006 06:56pm | #18

   Darn, I was hopeing you might share the booty with me. :-)

   Mike