Q & A
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Is Tung Oil the Best Choice?
I’m inexperienced with wood finishes, so I’m thinking of using tung oil on a freestanding shelf project. Is this the simplest, best finish option for me?
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Cleaning a Damaged Wood Floor?
Is there a way to clean just the damaged areas on a hardwood floor and then refinish them without completely resanding the whole floor?
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When are Tack Cloths a No-No?
Tack cloths have been used by finishers for a very long time, but are there situations when a tack cloth isn’t advisable or even detrimental to finishing?
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Removing Mineral Spirits from Varnish?
A recent “Finishing Thoughts” article suggested filling varnish cans with mineral spirits to prevent crusting. But, how do you remove the spirits later?
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Using Shellac Inside and Outside of a Project?
Shellac has a place on a dresser. Our expert examines whether that place is in the drawer interiors, or on the dresser top.
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Getting Rid of Biting Spiders?
My woodshop is infested with spiders that are biting both my dog and me. What’s the best way to remedy this extremely itchy situation?
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Keeping the Bark On?
How can I prevent the bark from falling off thin slabs of tree trunks for my scrolling project? Is there a chemical I can add to them?
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Ripping a 50-degree Bevel Angle?
How do I cut a bevel angle greater than 45 degrees on my band saw to achieve the 100-degree angle I need for the roof on my church replica?
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Can a Battery Charger be Repaired?
The battery and charger for my trusty RYOBI cordless drill no longer work. I’ve had the battery rebuilt, but can the original charger also be repaired?
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Poly Over Paint a Good Idea?
Is semi-gloss enamel paint tough enough for regular wipe-downs, or do I need to overcoat the paint with an even more protective finish like polyurethane?
