Replies

1. 
   Handrubbed | Jan 22, 2006 04:13am | #1

   Wool Wax is is a gel that is used in the rubout process to lubricate the workpiece.  It looks to me to be very similar the the stuff called Murphy's OIl Soap that is used to clean wood surfaces.  Wool Wax is available from dealers of Behlen's or Mohawk finishing products.

1. 
   Yogi | Jan 22, 2006 08:34pm | #2

   Thank you, I'll look it up-  Much obliged-

   Yogi

2. 
   joinerswork | Jan 23, 2006 05:10pm | #3

   Yogi,

   Star finishing products had a product called "Wol-wax".  An acceptable substitute, readily available, is petroleum jelly.  Cheap, and does the same thing.  Doesn't have that lemony-fresh smell though.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

1. 
   Yogi | Jan 23, 2006 07:52pm | #4

   Ray-  What would be the point of rubbing a clear finish with petroleum jelly?  I'm not trying to be obtuse (it comes to me naturally)-  Thanks for your reply-

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 23, 2006 08:57pm | #5

   Yogi,

   A little dab of wool-wax or petroleum jelly on your steel wool will act as a lubricant, and also make the wool sticky, so it will better pick up and hold the tiny bits of finish that get abraded away.  Not using anything on the wool will leave the abraded finish on the surface of the project, showing up as a white dust.  Especially annoying on an open grained wood like walnut or mahogany, if the finish does not completely fill the grain.  The finishing dust accumulates in the pores, where it is difficult to remove.

   Regards,

   Ray Pine

1. 
   Yogi | Jan 23, 2006 11:09pm | #6

   Well, there you have it-  Again, my thanks-

1. 
   joinerswork | Jan 24, 2006 04:59pm | #7

   Yogi,

   You are welcome, give my regards to Boo-Boo and all the rangers there at Jellystone.  Are the pickin's still pretty good in the pick-a-nick baskets?

   Cheers,

   Ray Pine