Replies

1. 
   Glendo | Mar 14, 2003 06:09am | #1

   Some finishes recommend that you not use tac rags. Because of this I usually use a rag dampened with mineral spirits. This works well and has the added benefit of making glue spots,sanding swirls and stain flaws visible.

   Glendo.

2. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Mar 14, 2003 07:08am | #2

   To make a tack rag compatable with varnishes take a dust free rag, dribble varnish though it. Wet it with mineral spirits and massage the moistened rag until the varnish is evenly distributed. Let the mineral spirits evaporate until nothing transfers when the rag is handled. It takes a few tries to get the dribbling amount right but there is wiggle room.

   Lee

   Lee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver

3. 
   RoyinMD | Mar 14, 2003 07:51pm | #3

   Welcome to the forum Joe.

   I buy them too, time is valuable. I warm mine over the kerosene heater this time of year, softens it up nicely. I have to get some fresh ones I keep forgeting to put them away in a plastic bag.

   And don't forget the first rule of tack cloths,

   DROP IT ON THE DUSTY FLOOR. Doh!

   Enjoy, Roy

4. 
   Shepherd1800 | Mar 15, 2003 04:01pm | #4

   At $0.69 cents apiece, I can't afford to make them.  I keep mine in a small air-tight bottle and they last for years, but then I don't do a lot of production.  I always unfold a new tack cloth and wad it up before using.

   Stephen Shepherd

   http://www.ilovewood.com

    

5. 
   mrles | Mar 16, 2003 08:13am | #5

   Joe

   Many years ago I made mine by damping a lint free rag with water and then a working a little varnish into it. Kinda messy to make so I'm like most of the posters they are so cheap I buy mine now.

   God Bless

   les 

6. 
   Quickstep | Mar 16, 2003 03:40pm | #6

   I read a column in FWW a while ago that recommended vacuuming instead. I've been using the shop vac with a round brush. Does anybody think a tac rag gets more dust off? 

1. 
   Gretchen | Mar 16, 2003 06:48pm | #7

   Vacuuming and really crushing that brush down into the wood does a good job. I wipe down with a moist rag of mineral spirits.Gretchen

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Mar 16, 2003 10:52pm | #8

   A further benefit to using mineral spirits is that you get to preview the wood color and highlight any glue marks you missed and and sanding errors you can't see on dry wood.

   A mineral dampened rag after vacuuming does as well as any commercial or homemade tack rag.