Getting tiny pieces of scrap tobacco off a T205?

[obcbeatle]

Mike ... thanks for the recommendations. I do have one question. The last two cards I soaked (post-war 1950's cards) ended up a bit warped. What is the best way to prevent warping? What I currently do is put the card between a thin wash cloth ... immediately after a soak ... and put the card between two very heavy books ... the top book being the heavyist. The first day I replace the wash cloth with another wash cloth at least once ... sometimes twice. After that I replace the wash cloth about once a day for about a week ... or until I'm sure the card is dry. But the last two cards I did I noticed near the end of this process (of being between the books) the card started to exhibit a bit of a wavy warp. I used to use paper towels instead of thin wash cloths ... but I've had a few cards stick to the paper towel. Maybe I didn't get all the glue off the card. But now I don't want to use a paper towel as it means re-soaking the card to get the stuck paper towel off. Plus ... if it IS glue still on the back ... I can't see it and am afraid to try to rub it off as it soaks ... because it might tear the surface of the card. Just curious. Thanks. Jerry.

[drmondobueno]

Originally Posted by obcbeatle

Mike ... thanks for the recommendations. I do have one question. The last two cards I soaked (post-war 1950's cards) ended up a bit warped. What is the best way to prevent warping? What I currently do is put the card between a thin wash cloth ... immediately after a soak ... and put the card between two very heavy books ... the top book being the heavyist. The first day I replace the wash cloth with another wash cloth at least once ... sometimes twice. After that I replace the wash cloth about once a day for about a week ... or until I'm sure the card is dry. But the last two cards I did I noticed near the end of this process (of being between the books) the card started to exhibit a bit of a wavy warp. I used to use paper towels instead of thin wash cloths ... but I've had a few cards stick to the paper towel. Maybe I didn't get all the glue off the card. But now I don't want to use a paper towel as it means re-soaking the card to get the stuck paper towel off. Plus ... if it IS glue still on the back ... I can't see it and am afraid to try to rub it off as it soaks ... because it might tear the surface of the card. Just curious. Thanks. Jerry.

Jerry,

Prewar cards are made of a different cardboard than the post war stuff. I have soaked prewar cards and if you use reasonable precautions, your card shoud not warp. Mine did not, not a one.

The new cardboard stuff absorbs water like paper and the card is done. Forget soaking most postwar.


Keith

[conor912]

The washcloth is your problem...its too thick and leaves too much vertical space. Try parchment paper. Its got some absorbency (though not as much as a paper towel, so may require more frequent changing), but also has some silicone in it, which makes it non-stick.

[Bocabirdman]

Originally Posted by obcbeatle

Mike ... thanks for the recommendations. I do have one question. The last two cards I soaked (post-war 1950's cards) ended up a bit warped. What is the best way to prevent warping? What I currently do is put the card between a thin wash cloth ... immediately after a soak ... and put the card between two very heavy books ... the top book being the heavyist. The first day I replace the wash cloth with another wash cloth at least once ... sometimes twice. After that I replace the wash cloth about once a day for about a week ... or until I'm sure the card is dry. But the last two cards I did I noticed near the end of this process (of being between the books) the card started to exhibit a bit of a wavy warp. I used to use paper towels instead of thin wash cloths ... but I've had a few cards stick to the paper towel. Maybe I didn't get all the glue off the card. But now I don't want to use a paper towel as it means re-soaking the card to get the stuck paper towel off. Plus ... if it IS glue still on the back ... I can't see it and am afraid to try to rub it off as it soaks ... because it might tear the surface of the card. Just curious. Thanks. Jerry.

The card will come out of the book press just fine. Use the paper towels or the parchment paper as suggested. The wash cloth will not be sufficient. There is no comparison between tobacco cards and post-war cardboard. The Ball will be none the worse for wear. The tobacco clumps will come off. The stains will improve a bit. Keep the soak short for your own peace of mind................