Detecting Glue Residue

In as much as they both produce the same results in detecting glue residue, the water has a tendency to raise the grain in some woods requiring extra sanding as opposed to mineral spirits. I do use both choices as well depending on what wood I’m using or if I will be sanding the piece after the glue up.
In respect to using the water for raising the grain of a small indentation with heat. Denatured Alcohol works effectively as well. Here again the choice would be depending on the situation at the moment.

I do agree that we sometimes get caught up in a method of work and tend to overlook other methods of work to accomplish our goals.

-- I don't make mistakes, I have great learning lessons, Greg

Thanks for sharing this. Water it is!

-- My dad and I built a 65 chev pick up.I killed trannys in that thing for some reason-Hog

I just apply my final finish.

It’s a 100% foolproof method of finding any excess glue! :-)

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"

Charlie and CR – you guys are funny. Greg, I know the water pulls fibers out, but that is a good feature. I worked with a master cabinet maker last year and he taught me the use and beauty of cabinet scarpers and “Whisking” your work. He sands with power tools using 100 – 120 – and 150 grit. After everything is done, he rubs his work with a damp cloth (dampens the wood, not soak it). This shows any flaws, plus it pulls up any loose wood fibers. You can actually feel whiskers on the wood. He hand sands these off with a light pass of 185 grit paper. He never goes higher then 185 grit paper. His work is superb.

His name is Marty and you can find him on the cover of the Jan 2007 Fine Woodworking magazine.

-- Bernie: It never gets hot or cold in New Hampshire, just seasonal!

Interesting post Bernie.
Jack

-- Jack Keefe Shediac NB Canada

I’m going to have to give that method a try.

-- Charlie M. "Woodworking - patience = firewood"