Beeswax Softening

[paco97]

I'm ready to soften my beeswax to line the rim of my powderhorn butt. What is the best method for softening this stuff? I have a 1lb brick of Natural Beeswax.

 

[Legionair]

I've always cut a chunk off the block, and put it in an Altoids tin.

With the top off, I set it on my woodstove (or oven burner), and get the fire going.

I let it liquify completely, and then remove from heat (Carefully, that tin gets hot.).

As it cools, it will begin to thicken up. Carefully test with your finger. When it's right, the cosistency is like Crisco.

(Note- if put on a cool surface like a room temp plug, it will thicken too fast. Warm your parts up first.)

Legion

 

[mike alexandre]

I nuke mine in the microwave. Jam jar or similiar container.

 

[crockett]

Couple of thoughts. Beeswax burns real good so if a drop gets on a burner........POOF! Melt it in a big container, I think 140 degrees is the melting point, doesn't take much heat.

 

[musketman]

Could soften the wax like you would honey that crystallize, place it in a container and float it in hot water...

 

[Black Hand]

I cut a piece off the block and hold it over a hot burner to soften it, applying it to the rim of the plug as I stand at the stove. I then warm the plug and the horn over the burner and push the plug into place. Hold until cooled and check your seal by blowing into the spout end. If no air leaks out the plug, you're done.
Black Hand

 

[gmww]

Just brainstorming. How about putting it in a container or zip loc bag and leaving it on the dryer the next time you do laundry. Or just close to it if your dryer gets too hot.

 

[musketman]

The bees chew it to make it softer... :shocked2:

If you are working in direct sunlight, place the wax in something black, the dark container will absorb and transfer he heat... (like wearing a black shirt on a hot summer day)

Solar softening... :thumbsup:

 

[gmww]

Small working pieces and a hair dryer?

 

[longshot47]

The beeswax I've been working with always got too hard, too fast, after heating. Mixing some mineral oil with the wax when heating keeps it workable without sacrificing the quality of the bond.
~Longshot

 

[BLAHMAN]

I soften the wax by kneeding or a hair dryer (not a heat gun:too hot!)

Then I turn on the gas stove and very carefully heat the base of the horn, then I take the already softened wax and schmear it on the rim.

 

[mike alexandre]

Sorry, could you explain that a bit further please. I just have the setting on defrost and keep it in long enough to melt the solid lump to a liquid. I dont let it boil. When it cools down it shows no signs of being anything other than wax.

 

[musketman]

To soften the wax in hot water, place it is a jar and bring the water to a boil...

Remove the pan of water from the heat and submerge the jar in the hot water, the heat will transfer to the wax through the jar and soften it, this is how we un-crystalize honey...