CHAPTER IV
Making and Care of Wiping Cloths
A good wiping cloth is essential for wiping joints. The exact size and the flexibility of the cloth depend a great deal upon the mechanic who handles the cloth. Some mechanics like a stiff cloth, but the writer has always used a flexible cloth. The sizes, shape, and methods of folding and breaking in as shown in [Fig. 21] below have proved successful. Cloths made of whalebone ticking are inexpensive and make the best for ordinary use.
| Size of cloth open | Size of cloth folded | |
|---|---|---|
| 141⁄2 by 141⁄2 inches | equals | 31⁄4 by 31⁄4 inches |
| 131⁄2 by 131⁄2 inches | equals | 3 by 3 inches |
| 81⁄2 by 121⁄2 inches | equals | 2 by 3 inches |
For the joint-wiping jobs to follow, the above sizes are the best. The largest size, 141⁄2 by 141⁄2 inches is used for catch cloth. The 131⁄2 by 131⁄2 inches is the wiping cloth. The 81⁄2 by 121⁄2 inches is the branch cloth.
Proceed as follows to cut and complete a cloth:
- First, lay the ticking on the flat bench and square the sides 141⁄2 by 141⁄2 inches.
- Second, the ticking should be cut off with shears and not torn or cut with a knife.
- Third, fold as shown in the cut.