I have seen several posts about using beeswax for the rigging on the model ships. I like the consistency that it gives to the thread, but I’m also noticing a visible residue on the thread, which doesn’t look that great. Any suggestions or comments? Thanks.
Beeswax as a tradition goes wayyy back with ship models. There are two main drawbacks: beeswax is slightly acidic, so it will damage your lines eventually (and we’re talking long, long periods of time here - probably not a realistic concern for most). Second drawback is more immediate - it grabs dust like crazy, somehow managing to do so even inside a display case (ask me how I know).
Modern opinion seems to lean toward ‘micro wax’ (also called conservator’s wax), a more stable long-term solution.
I’ll throw in a last anecdotal possibility - Chapstick. I never really liked the stickiness of beeswax, so in a flash of perverse inspiration one time I resorted to a handy lip balm (the ‘original’ version, without the flavor and sunscreen additives). It dresses the lines like the beeswax did and seems to set with less fuss. It doesn’t make the lines quite as stiff, but I’ve never had a problem with that, myself. And it’s a lot simpler (for me) than messing with the beeswax. Just a thought.
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Excellent tip, Greg! You should send that one into the magazine.
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If you run the waxed line slowly through your pinched fingers, it will remove most of the residue on the line. The wax helps to prevent “fuzzing” of the line over time. I have not noticed any significant difference in dust accumulation between waxed and unwaxed lines on my ships. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen, but there are so many variables at play (temp, humidity, pets, etc.) that anything is possible.
If you are putting it in a case, make sure the case has the ability to equalize temp and air pressure, which can cause lines to stretch or sag. Hermetically sealed cases will cause more problems to rigging than dust.
Bob
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Greg, thanks for the tip about beeswax and chap stick and I agree with Tim about submitting this tip to FSM.
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I do not use my bare fingers, I use piece of paper toweling. between the finger trips, I also take many strokes, removing as much of the wax or binder as possibe.
I have a question on this topic. A gentleman on YouTube who builds a lot of ship models, suggested going to Hobby Lobby or Michaels’ and using their “waxed” thread for rigging. Would this be roughly the same technique?
I guess my calloused fingers don’t mind the waxed line running through them.
As for thread, it is just that. Thread. Most often doesn’t really look like rope. I only use thread for seizing blocks and other rigging tackle or serving the large diameter standing rigging lines. The serving or seizing rope is normally a very fine diameter. “Rope” from the ship modeling sites is much more realistic, and comes in a wide variety of diameters. Model Expo and AgesOfSail have lots of different ropes in various sizes and colors.
Bob