DB

Dave Balderstone

22/12/2011 9:29 AM

Making shop rags

I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
shop rages?

Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
PITA.


This topic has 28 replies

Ll

Leon

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 11:26 AM

On 12/22/2011 9:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

To to a hobby store or a sewing store and buy an inexpensive rotary cutter.

You can cut 8~12 layers at once and it works like but much better than a
pizza cutter. To this over a wood surface and be careful with the razor
sharp cutting wheel.

Ll

Leon

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 11:28 AM

On 12/22/2011 9:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Rotary cutter, common in fabric, quilting, craft stores.

http://www.amazon.com/Fiskars-45mm-Contour-Rotary-Cutter/dp/B000B7M8WU

Jm

JayPique

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 6:42 AM

On Dec 25, 11:48=A0pm, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
> Father Haskell wrote:
> > On Dec 22, 10:29 am, Dave Balderstone<[email protected]> =A0wrote:
> >> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> >> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> >> shop rages?
>
> >> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> >> PITA.
>
> > Clamp a knife into your vise with the blade pointing up.
> > Grab a tee shirt on either side of the blade and pull.
>
> Gosh, just put one hand on each side of the seam and pull--we need to
> stay in shape out there! =A0 If someone may be watching, you could always
> sever a few of the first stitches beforehand. =A0: )

I should be embarrassed to say this, but I pile old t-shirts in a box
and take them to my mom to cut up when it gets full. She cuts them
the same way every time - sleeves off and split, neck removed and the
front and back cut roughly square and nicely folded. I end up with
two neat little stacks - one small one of for application, and one
large one for wiping off. I should add that I'm fairly particular by
nature....
JP

DB

Dave Balderstone

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 2:05 PM

In article <[email protected]>, Gerald Ross
<[email protected]> wrote:

> Be a real he-man. Wet a stack of them, put them in the freezer or
> leave outdoors depending on where you live. Then cut them on the bandsaur.

Finally! A real answer!

--
Woodworking and more at <http://www.woodenwabbits.com>

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 6:59 AM

On Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:42:06 -0800 (PST), JayPique
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On Dec 25, 11:48 pm, Bill <[email protected]> wrote:
>> Father Haskell wrote:
>> > On Dec 22, 10:29 am, Dave Balderstone<[email protected]>  wrote:
>> >> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>> >> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>> >> shop rages?
>>
>> >> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>> >> PITA.
>>
>> > Clamp a knife into your vise with the blade pointing up.
>> > Grab a tee shirt on either side of the blade and pull.
>>
>> Gosh, just put one hand on each side of the seam and pull--we need to
>> stay in shape out there!   If someone may be watching, you could always
>> sever a few of the first stitches beforehand.  : )
>
>I should be embarrassed to say this, but I pile old t-shirts in a box
>and take them to my mom to cut up when it gets full. She cuts them
>the same way every time - sleeves off and split, neck removed and the
>front and back cut roughly square and nicely folded. I end up with
>two neat little stacks - one small one of for application, and one
>large one for wiping off. I should add that I'm fairly particular by
>nature....

I hope you bought her a good set of shears to use while doing this for
you, Jape.

--
[Television is] the triumph of machine over people.
-- Fred Allen

LM

"Lee Michaels"

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:50 AM



"Dave Balderstone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:221220110929480894%[email protected]...
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

I just take a utility knife to them as needed. No need to make up a bunch
of them ahead of time. Unless, of course, you have a super need for shop
rags.

It ain't pretty. And the sizes, shapes, etc can vary greatly. But rags are
rags.


Mt

"Max"

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:00 AM

"Dave Balderstone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:221220110929480894%[email protected]...
>I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.


http://tinyurl.com/7tx28us

Max

JW

Just Wondering

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 12:43 PM

On 12/22/2011 8:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Multitask. Cut'em up while watching TV. Then it doesn't matter how
time consuming it is.

En

"EXT"

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

23/12/2011 11:16 AM


"Dave Balderstone" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:221220110929480894%[email protected]...
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Remove all seams, bound edges and stitching, as these can make a mess of any
wood finishing projects, you want clean smooth cloths for this.

If they are just to blot up a spill, don't even bother to cut them.

Sk

Steve

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 7:26 PM

On 2011-12-22 11:39:39 -0500, Markem <[email protected]> said:

> Lee Valley has the tool

Damnit! Lee Valley is offering free shipping again!

That's gonna cost me...

Rr

RonB

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 4:10 PM

On Dec 22, 9:29=A0am, Dave Balderstone <[email protected]> wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

We buy them at a local thrift shop for .50 to $1 for a Walmart bag
stuffed full. I just nick the edge with a box knife or my tooth and
tear off what I need. I have to be a little careful that I don't get
a linty edge but they work well for staining, cleaning and anything
else.

Ron

Gj

GROVER

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 8:24 AM

On Dec 22, 10:29=A0am, Dave Balderstone <[email protected]> wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Pinking shears will make the cutting easier.
JoeG

Hn

Han

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

27/12/2011 3:04 AM

Larry Jaques <[email protected]> wrote in
news:[email protected]:

> Speaking of Robs, where'd Toy disappear to?

You'd have to email him, or me.

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 8:47 PM

On 27 Dec 2011 03:04:40 GMT, Han <[email protected]> wrote:

>Larry Jaques <[email protected]> wrote in
>news:[email protected]:
>
>> Speaking of Robs, where'd Toy disappear to?
>
>You'd have to email him, or me.
>
>Han
>email address is invalid

Is this a test? <g>

--
[Television is] the triumph of machine over people.
-- Fred Allen

Dt

DerbyDad03

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 12:42 PM

On Dec 22, 1:01=A0pm, Gerald Ross <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dave Balderstone wrote:
> > I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> > Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> > shop rages?
>
> > Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> > PITA.
>
> Be a real he-man. =A0Wet a stack of them, put them in the freezer or
> leave outdoors depending on where you live. Then cut them on the bandsaur=
.
>
> --
> Gerald Ross
>
> It's kind of fun to do the impossible.

A real man just breaks them over his knee.

FH

Father Haskell

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

25/12/2011 7:15 PM

On Dec 22, 10:29=A0am, Dave Balderstone <[email protected]> wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Clamp a knife into your vise with the blade pointing up.
Grab a tee shirt on either side of the blade and pull.

LJ

Larry Jaques

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 6:17 PM

On Mon, 26 Dec 2011 19:26:28 -0500, Steve
<[email protected]> wrote:

>On 2011-12-22 11:39:39 -0500, Markem <[email protected]> said:
>
>> Lee Valley has the tool
>
>Damnit! Lee Valley is offering free shipping again!
>
>That's gonna cost me...

Oh, goodie! Now I can afford those plastic shims and painter's
pyramids. AWSHITITSONLYFORORDERSOF$40ORMORE.

(Why limit it for Christmas, Rob?)

Speaking of Robs, where'd Toy disappear to?

--
[Television is] the triumph of machine over people.
-- Fred Allen

Mm

Markem

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:39 AM

On Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:29:48 -0600, Dave Balderstone
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>shop rages?
>
>Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>PITA.

Lee Valley has the tool

http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=41729&cat=1,250,43298,43314

JW

Jim Weisgram

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 9:10 AM

On Thu, 22 Dec 2011 10:39:39 -0600, Markem <[email protected]>
wrote:

>On Thu, 22 Dec 2011 09:29:48 -0600, Dave Balderstone
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>>Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>>shop rages?
>>
>>Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>>PITA.
>
>Lee Valley has the tool
>
>http://www.leevalley.com/US/wood/page.aspx?p=41729&cat=1,250,43298,43314

You can get rotary cutters like this at any sewing shop. They are used
a lot by quilters to cut up all those pieces of fabric for their
patterns.

GR

Gerald Ross

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 1:01 PM

Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Be a real he-man. Wet a stack of them, put them in the freezer or
leave outdoors depending on where you live. Then cut them on the bandsaur.

--
Gerald Ross

It's kind of fun to do the impossible.





GG

Greg Guarino

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:38 AM

On 12/22/2011 10:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?

Rages are best confined to safer parts of the house.

> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Got any kids?

DM

Doug Miller

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:48 AM

On 12/22/2011 10:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Nick it at the edge with the scissors, then tear.

GG

Greg Guarino

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 1:35 PM

On 12/22/2011 1:07 PM, willshak wrote:
> Dave Balderstone wrote the following:
>> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>> shop rages?
>>
>> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>> PITA.
>
> Band saw. :-)
>
Didn't Norm have power rag-cutting machine? It was right next to the
Elizabethan Chair machine. (Toss in a stump, out comes a dining set, but
you viewers can do it at home with your flint hand axes)

Mj

"Morgans"

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 11:15 PM

"Dave Balderstone" wrote in message
news:221220110929480894%[email protected]...

I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
shop rages?

Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
PITA.
*******************************************
bandsaws cut cloth about as easy as could be imagined

BB

Bill

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

25/12/2011 11:48 PM

Father Haskell wrote:
> On Dec 22, 10:29 am, Dave Balderstone<[email protected]> wrote:
>> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>> shop rages?
>>
>> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>> PITA.
>
> Clamp a knife into your vise with the blade pointing up.

> Grab a tee shirt on either side of the blade and pull.

Gosh, just put one hand on each side of the seam and pull--we need to
stay in shape out there! If someone may be watching, you could always
sever a few of the first stitches beforehand. : )

BB

Bill

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

26/12/2011 2:34 PM

Larry Jaques wrote:
> On Mon, 26 Dec 2011 06:42:06 -0800 (PST), JayPique
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> On Dec 25, 11:48 pm, Bill<[email protected]> wrote:
>>> Father Haskell wrote:
>>>> On Dec 22, 10:29 am, Dave Balderstone<[email protected]> wrote:
>>>>> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
>>>>> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
>>>>> shop rages?
>>>
>>>>> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
>>>>> PITA.
>>>
>>>> Clamp a knife into your vise with the blade pointing up.
>>>> Grab a tee shirt on either side of the blade and pull.
>>>
>>> Gosh, just put one hand on each side of the seam and pull--we need to
>>> stay in shape out there! If someone may be watching, you could always
>>> sever a few of the first stitches beforehand. : )
>>
>> I should be embarrassed to say this, but I pile old t-shirts in a box
>> and take them to my mom to cut up when it gets full. She cuts them
>> the same way every time - sleeves off and split, neck removed and the
>> front and back cut roughly square and nicely folded. I end up with
>> two neat little stacks - one small one of for application, and one
>> large one for wiping off. I should add that I'm fairly particular by
>> nature....
>
> I hope you bought her a good set of shears to use while doing this for
> you, Jape.
>

...and an iron! : )


> --
> [Television is] the triumph of machine over people.
> -- Fred Allen

Sk

Swingman

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 10:24 AM

On 12/22/2011 9:29 AM, Dave Balderstone wrote:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

You never now what the future may bring. Just put 'em in a sack on the
top shelf and cut one up as needed.

--
www.eWoodShop.com
Last update: 4/15/2010
KarlCaillouet@ (the obvious)
http://gplus.to/eWoodShop

ww

willshak

in reply to Dave Balderstone on 22/12/2011 9:29 AM

22/12/2011 1:07 PM

Dave Balderstone wrote the following:
> I recently acquired a box of cotton Tshirts at pennies on the dollar.
> Does anyone have any hints on the most efficient way to cut them into
> shop rages?
>
> Doing them one by each with a pair of scissors is time consuming and a
> PITA.

Band saw. :-)

--

Bill
In Hamptonburgh, NY
In the original Orange County. Est. 1683
To email, remove the double zeroes after @


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