Just wondering what others do to get rid of dust etc... on the thread wraps just before finish application. I use masking tape and lightly touch to wraps and lift dust off. Any other easy methods out there? I am unfortunate that I have to use the same general area to sand cork and do finish application (certainly not at the same time). Anyway just curious.
Happy Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.
Elrod

Dear Elrod: Lets first look at how dust and dirt and oil(contaminants) get in and on the threads. Wait 24 hrs for dust to clear after you have worked on cork AND Cleaned up. Dust is another matter. Dust can be removed with a lint-free tac rag. Be careful use the proper rags for this. There are two types. Those for varnish and polys and one for the other type finishes. Do not scrub! lay ragg against the wrap and rotate. One problem I have solved is when Wrapping and static draws lint tothe thread you are wrapping with, pluck the string under tension lightly. This will dislodge the lint. If you dont, it will come back as a bump. TRUST ME. Stripping the top layer down on a new spool is also a darn good idea. Also I like to keep an alcohol soaked ragg beside my wrapping bench. I hate to touch thread. If I must, I wipe my fingers agross the rag. In finishing do not use a hair dryer to heat up finish. Dust is sucked in the back, heated and blown out the front. This creats more bumps later. Trust Me. If there is anything else Ican help you with let me know.. This is my job. Good Luck and have a happy Thanksgiving. The Roundman

One thing you want to do is protect the wraps after you have made them and before you apply your finish. Take some scrap paper and fold it in half and lay it over the wraps. (Most airborne dust settles downward.) Leave the paper in place until you are ready to finish.

For many years I worked in an area that handled cork and EVA turning as well as finishing. I didn't finish 10 minutes after doing turning work. Letting everything settle for a few hours at least, kept me from having problems in this regard.

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I'm kind of lazy, so I use the same disposable air in the can that I use to blow dust to clean up my computer. I also use the same can of air to clean up blank CDs before I burn them.
Hung.

Aplly tape, then remove after three minutes and start aplying finish!