Hi guys,
Sorry that I am not really active, life seemingly cannot wait. [:(]
Been looking for an alternative to bee’swax for the various lines that are used. I understand the need to do so. But unfortunately the material is hardly available in the local market here[V]. Most of it is exported ( so some poeple say ). So I am at the end of my ropes[xx(].
I don’t really undertsand the difference between candle wax and bee’swax.
I do have a lump of raw honey comb, after the honey has been pressed out. Can’t use it though, affraid of turning the finnished work into an ant farm[B)]. Or the lines molding up and rotting away.[8]
Any input is greatly appreciated.[:)]
Ian
If you’ve got honey comb, you’ve got bee’s wax. It’s just a matter of seperating it.
I’m assuming it’s less than a pound. If it’s more than a pound, break it into one pound chunks and do them seperately…
The easiest way to seperate the wax from the honey is in a clear glass container. ( A clear drinking glass designed for hot liquids would be good.)
Place the honey comb in the glass and gently heat it. DON’T boil it !! Once the wax melts it will seperate from the honey, and form a seperate layer. Once it’s all seperated, shove it in the fridge for a hour or so, to let it set up.
Once it’s set, nice and hard, take it out and use a table knife to lossen it from the sides of the glass. Lift it out and rinse it with Cool water. Cool water will remove any honey, without softening the wax.
You’ll now have a chunk of bee’s wax, suitable for your rigging.
Take it slow and carefully, and good luck.
Mike K.
Hi Folks,
I use white wood glue thinned a bit with water. Use a shallow dish and run the string though it while pressing it down to ensure it gets completly covered. The string absorbs the glue and dries quickly. I have beeswax but it seems to stay sticky forever so I don’t bother with it anymore. The glue method is great to make coils of “rope” look heavy when hanging on belaying pins etc., have fun, John.
If beeswax stays sticky, something’s wrong. Maybe the climate has something to do with the problem, but I’ve never known beeswax to be sticky even in its original form. I normally buy it in cake form, from a sewing store.
Mr. Borja - I’m sure mkeatingss’s technique for making your own beeswax will work. My guess is, however, that candle wax would work reasonably well. I’d suggest looking for a white or grey candle with no special ingredients to make it smell good.
Another possibility is parafin. Here in the U.S. grocery stores usually carry it; it’s used for canning fruits and vegetables. A single package of parafin should last a ship modeler the rest of his or her life.
Good luck.
Ian, I have used both the bees wax and white glue. Bees wax is best for standing and running riging and white glue for coils. Been like me, living in a far away place I would look for the beeswax at a shoe repair shop, its a commun utility at these places. If not use the internet and have it send by FedEx or UPS, it shouldn’d cost much.
Thank you all!!! But before I go any further, really sorry for not thanking you all earlier. Busy wrapping up things at work, turn-overs etc. and looking for a new job. . . anyway
Am really thankful to all of you. Each and everyone of your replies help. Though the order in which they shall be applied may differ.[:D]
mkeatingss, thank you. Almost gave up on all the chunks of “raw beeswax” I have. Though the proper temp would entitle an experiment. And I have the time, and the raw wax to spare. Stopped experimenting when the family oven toaster went up in flames. The missus still aint happy.
john j boyce and jtilley, and Delfin. your suggestions are duly noted and shall be tried in case I make another scorch mark around the household anytime soon.
Thanks again guys. I sincerely appreciate it.
Ian