and cranny nooker", which will get into tight spots.
Along with this may have another scraper with interchangeable blades that has outside and inside
curves, as well as different points to get into very fine carved areas. You can also make wood groove
scrapers from different size dowels sawed and filed to the exact shape that you need. These work
extremely well, but they take time to make up. You will find they are nice to use for the final cleanup, as
they won't mar wood surfaces a deal that one of then skid or even use too much pressure.
SANDING AND SANDING BLOCKS
When you go to a hardware store there are many good sanding blocks made of metal or rubber. I have
found it work as well using a scratch piece of 1 x 3 lumber. The sanding blocks are easy to use;
especially the rubber was, as they will follow the curves of the wood. When you come to grooves and
edges, and other odd spots A-Acto makes a set of different shapes sanders that are very easy to use.
When you need new paper on these, you'll find that won't take long to do. When you finish out table legs
or chair legs and any other contoured surfaces, the Merit Sand-O-Flex is a real-time and energy Saver.
Don't use drill-operated sanders that you use tiny metal fingers. The tiny metal fingers will cut grooves
into the wood surface. The Sand-0-Flex is available in two sizes, which is standard and small models. It
uses thin strips of sandpaper, and also has brushes to keep your work area clean. You'll find it will do a
good job on any irregular surface, and even small carvings and decorations.
BRUSHES
When you buy, brushes by the best that you can get. I have found that many skilled refinishers use only
brushes, which are two-inch varnish brush that they keep scrupulously clean. Many other wood finishers
prefer to keep a brush for staining, and another for varnishing or shall lacking. They follow clean
procedures very rigidly to keep their brushes in good order. Always by the best quality brush you can
get, and one with a chisel tip of natural black bristles set in rubber. You need to keep it clean by washing
it with mineral spirits or turpentine after you finish each job.
Always keep the brushes in a close container, suspended, and wash it well just before you use it as well
as after the job that you are doing is completed.
A good tack cloth is also a necessary tie them that will last as long as the brush. Tack cloths are used to
clean raw wood surfaces before staining. You use a tack cloth on stained surfaces before varnishing,
and a partly finish surface between varnish coats. Most hardware stores have tack cloths or you can
even make your own. If you want to make your own, start with an 18 to 20 inch square of cotton or wool
cloths. Do not use synthetics! The cotton or wool cloths should have been washed enough times to take
out all the lint and loose fuzz.
Now, moistened the cloths with turpentine, and in a container add a few drops of clear varnish on it. You
want to put enough on it to make the fabric very slightly sticky.
Then, squeeze the cloths and wring out excessive liquid. Get an old fruit jar or other plastic container that