Grubby Paws

[ve3rin]

First of all I would like to thank all of you who have sent me info on how to delicately sand and get into tight places.
The information provided on what, how where to get tools etc. have helped immensely.
Now comes the next parts needed to carry on with the project that I am working on (a Cobra snake).
1. I have cut and shaped the fangs and forked tonge out of bamboo because of the strength of the fibres and they worked out well.
should I install them prior to finishing the Cobra? The tonge will be glued into the mouth at 2 locations, the fangs will be inset into drilled holes and wood gleues, or crazy glued.
2. Ball end sewing pins will be used for the eyes, and will be set into the sockes with Quick Wood repair epoxy and shaped.
3. I have burnt in the scales on the back side of the Cobra.

Now comes the main question....
After all of the burning and handleing of this project, I have finished giving every thing a light sanding and and buffing with a 3m scouring pad on a sanding mandrel, but still see what appears to be skin oil on the project.
Is there any product or home remedy to clear this off with out harming the bass wood?

[Just Carving]

Some people use alcohol, others use dishwashing detergent and water--Dawn works good, some swear by Simple Green and water. See what others say they do. I've used all but the the best method is to keep the wood as clean as possible--and for the most part that's what I do now. Whatever you choose to do, try it on a piece of scrap basswood or on a back corner to see what the end results will be when it dries.

Bob L

[BobT]

Scrub it with a tootbrush and dishwashing detergent. Works great. It may raise a few fuzzies. I scrub the fuzzies off with a brown paper bag. I guess fine sandpaper would work also. The soap and water has never hurt a thing. It is good to paint while it is still damp also.
BobT

[AlArchie]

This smells pretty bad, but wipe the pieece down with lacquer thinner on a clean rag. This will dissolve and remove any oils and dry almost immediately. You can also use paint thinner but it may take a few minutes to an hour to thoroughly dry, depending on how wet you got the piece. Either of these will not raise the grain. Make sure you are in a well ventilated area or outside.

Al

[Ashbys]

Denatured alcohol , works well , and will evaporate so no finish is effected. Depending on your finish it may be of no issue.

Ash