Beeswax on Horn straps?

[NJ Longbeard]

I've recently made some straps for my horns and have seen where they can be made some what weather resistant by using beeswax, but I'm curious how would I do this myself :hmm: Thanks Ed

 

[Birdman]

Longbeard you can rub on the wax n then gently heat the strap to get the wax to soak in, it will stiffen the leather though. Maybe just useing a grease type conditioner would be better. Most guys I know use a combo of some sort of lard n bees wax combined to put on most of their leather goods. Each guys sort of has his/her on recipie for the amount of each but a 50/50 mix is a good place to start. If its to stiff consistency for ya, add more tallow(lard), if its to soft n gooy add more wax. Ya gently melt the two together n then put into whatever tin, bottle yer gonna keep it in n let it cool. Check in the archives cause this subject has been gone over many times n there will probably be lots of good info for ya to take in. YMHS Birdman

 

[onepaw]

i just waterproofed several items using straight beeswax. i just melted the wax (double boiler or microwaved)then brushed it one with a brush, thre them in the dryer...

 

[omarick1948]

You didn't mention if it was for leather or fabric/cord etc.

Bee's wax is OK for leather, but for cotton fabric or woven items it is not so good, as it attracts dirt bad and ants and other tiny critters love it! Tallow added gives you a rotten rancid fat smell. :barf: DON'T ASK ME HOW I KNOW!

Not PC or HC, but a better choice is SCOTCH GUARD spray or a clear water-proofing spray, like they sell in sporting goods and hardware stores! ... Besides! No one will ever know but you!

Rick

 

[Rasch Chronicles]

Threw them in the DRYER?

Depending on your age, either your mom or your wife must've had your hide, and now your trying to get US in trouble so you'll feel better! :rotf:

I wrote a post on traditional waterproofing on my blog, and you will find tips on using beeswax or linseed oil to waterproof fabric.

If you use beeswax, put your item in a black plastic bag in the sun, and the wax will melt into the material.

Best Regards,
Albert A Rasch
The Rasch Outdoor Chroniclesâ„¢

 

[Short Arm]

OK NJ LONGBEARD, Use a double boiler to melt your wax. When you get it to a liquid form brush it on your strap. When you have it completely cover put it in a per heated oven that is set at 350 degrees. NO GAS OVER OR FLAME AND I MEAN NO FLAME. Let it set in the oven on a cookie sheet for three minutes. After that pull it out and hang it to set. Bees wax was use to water proof many items. This is what I have been using bees wax and have never had a BUG OR CRITTER problem. Good Luck and be careful,let us know how it comes out. If you have any other ? you know how to get in touch with me. Be safe Lynn

 

[ericb]

Beeswax can get pretty stiff in cold weather, and can crack. I would think you'd wanna cut it with some kind of leather-friendly oil. I use it with Olive oil, Castor oil, etc for patch lube all the time. Don't know how it would work with Neatsfoot oil - but I'd give it a whirl...

Eric

 

[rabjr]

I'm really liking the way Short Arm does his beeswaxed straps, I have a couple and if I get more for myself they definitely will be beeswaxed. Damn they smell good too! :thumbsup:

 

[ladysmithtrading]

I've been using a beeswaxed woven horn strap for a couple years in all kinds of weather, no problems what so ever, look in the May/June Muzzleloader magazine and see read what Scurlock has to say about them, he even has one on his personal horn, good enough for Bill, good enough for Beav, nuff said

 

[omarick1948]

I've been using a beeswaxed woven horn strap for a couple years in all kinds of weather, no problems what so ever, look in the May/June Muzzleloader magazine and see read what Scurlock has to say about them, he even has one on his personal horn, good enough for Bill, good enough for Beav, nuff said

Nuff said? ..... You mean we can't talk about it anymore Jim?

 

[salkehatchie]

Well, just my 2 cents worth...I used to have a ton of items quilled by a CLA person and they started to use bee's wax [I think I know why, but will not say] and when it gets warm the buckskin gets oily and when it is cold, it gets stiff. I prefer plain braintan without the wax.

Just my opinion is all. It does look neat though in normal temperatures.

Thanks!

 

[swamp.fox]

A CAN OF LEATHER BOOT WATERPROOFING GOOP IS AVAILABLE AT MOST PLACES THAT SELL HI QUALITY BOOTS... IT WORKS JUST FINE...

 

[ladysmithtrading]

I've been using a beeswaxed woven horn strap for a couple years in all kinds of weather, no problems what so ever, look in the May/June Muzzleloader magazine and see read what Scurlock has to say about them, he even has one on his personal horn, good enough for Bill, good enough for Beav, nuff said

Nuff said? ..... You mean we can't talk about it anymore Jim?

:rotf: :rotf: :rotf: Sure ya can ol buddy, just nuff from the ol Beav !