Please, please, please, post a video with text on how to MAKE A PAD!!! I’m right now trying to finish coffee and end table tops of figured maple using Roland Johnson’s hot rod varnish, my exception being I’m using BLO instead of pure tung, because that’s what I got laying around (not old though). I have been practicing on smaller scraps of the same material. I random orbit sand to 150 grit, then straight line sand by hand to 220 grit.I’ve never successfully used a pad, but try I have. What material is he using for a pad, and how is it constructed? So I DARE you (ok, double dog dare you) to fly to Chicago and show me how to make and use a pad!! But, barring that, a detailed description, a video , or both would be really great, and greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian W.
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Replies
Brian,
I'm not sure what Roland used in his article for a pad.
To apply oil with a pad;
Use a soft lint free cloth like an old tee shirt. Cut a square 8 - 10 inches and then fold it over in half then half again. Pull the corners into the center and shape it to fit comfortably in your hand. This is not an exact science, it just needs to feel comfortable.
Now "charge it" That is wet it with mineral spirits(paint thinner) so it is just damp. You can also do this before you fold it into your square.
Next, wet it well with your oil mixture. After the first couple of times you add oil, it will become saturated and you won't need much oil to re-charge it.
At the end of your day, be sure and hang or lay that pad out flat to dry outside. If you forget and just leave it laying around, you run the risk of spontaneous combustion. Not a good thing!
Let me know how you do.
Peter
Hi Peter, thanks for the reply. Apparently I have been making the pad correctly, but I no idea about the charging it with mineral spirits. I'm just about ready to start the final finish sanding on the project. I WILL practice on scrap first, though. I re-learned the hard way about trying new techniques on the actual project, thinking, "I have enough experience to just do it right on my first try." Thought wrong!! Thanks again, Peter!! Now, it's off to the shop!!!
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