Tack cloths

[pavliku]

Hi,
I was just down at the local Mitre 10 and noticed for the first time that they stocked tack cloths - Red Devil brand, made in Canada. It says on the pack that it contains no waxes or silicones but I'm still unsure if it's safe to use. I wanted it mostly for cleaning joints pre-gluing - does anyone use this product and if so, is it safe to use pre-gluing ? or should I stick with the old T-shirts I've been using.
Thanks,
Paul.

[Ormsby Guitars]

What's wrong with a decent breathe of air, blown onto the joint?

[Allen]

I never use a tack cloth prior to glue up. Just blow it off and away you go.

In fact, in my climate I don't use a tack cloth prior to spraying. The heat and humidity don't work so well on them. It will leave great smears of sticky crap on the surface. Just a blast with the air nozzle and a clean dry cloth is all I use.

[pavliku]

Thanks guys,
I had been using a blast from my lungs and a wipe with a cloth - I guess I'll keep doing the same.
Paul.

[kiwigeo]

Some of us use 'em.....each to his own.

I use Liberon brand tack cloths.

[Dominic]

A dry hand and air is the best. You can feel the dust with your hand and as long as you keep wiping it, will pick up everything. We used to do this when making surfboards. Good because your hand is not going to leave any fibres or bits of crap behind. Try it.
Dom

[kiwigeo]

A dry hand and air is the best. You can feel the dust with your hand and as long as you keep wiping it, will pick up everything. We used to do this when making surfboards. Good because your hand is not going to leave any fibres or bits of crap behind. Try it.
Dom

I've tried it....and when I go in with a tack cloth afterwards I pick up dust my hand hasn't.

Surely a hand must have some moisture on it to make the dust adhere to it. Skin is an organ and never 100% dry.

When people have problems with tack cloths it's because they're using a poor quality cloth and/or they're not using correct technique.

Like alot of things its not a case of what's "best"..it's a case of what works for you.

[Nick]

Apart from a good blow of air to clear the pores, I've never gone to any special lengths to prep a glue joint and never had one seperate on me yet. I think sometimes we can get caught up in the technicalities & 'must haves' of modern methods & advertising that we tend to over look the simple stuff that has worked for centuries.

[kiwigeo]

Apart from a good blow of air to clear the pores, I've never gone to any special lengths to prep a glue joint and never had one seperate on me yet. I think sometimes we can get caught up in the technicalities & 'must haves' of modern methods & advertising that we tend to over look the simple stuff that has worked for centuries.

Was taking more about pre finishing rather than glue joints.

Agreed some of the modern tack cloths are impregnated with resin and silicone and other modern chemicals but the concept of a tack cloth is an old one.

The main point I'm trying to make is that you cant simply say "it's best". I've never had any problems with the cloths I use. They get out dust that my hand can't and I've never had a problem with "gunk".

[Mike Thomas]

I've found that a lint free cloth soaked in shellac and allowed to dry until it's just a bit sticky, makes a really good tack cloth.

[Allen]

Essentially that is what a tack cloth is Mike. At least the old fashioned ones.