Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Tahosa on August 01, 2017, 10:53:33 pm

Title: Beeswax finish?
Post by: Tahosa on August 01, 2017, 10:53:33 pm
Hey all,
I am new to the process of making bows (built 5 or 6 broke 5 or 6 :P).  But I have been reading that beeswax makes a good finish and can be a good water repellent.  Is it better to mix the beeswax with something like olive oil or bacon grease, or is it better to just rub on straight beeswax and heat it up into the bow? 
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Title: Re: Beeswax finish?
Post by: Weylin on August 01, 2017, 11:10:36 pm
I did a beeswax finish on this bow. http://www.primitivearcher.com/smf/index.php/topic,60173.msg838418.html#msg838418
It was really easy. I just rubbed a layer of beeswax on the bow. Then I heated up a small section with my heat gun on low. Once in liquified I quickly buffed it with cheesecloth. This worked it into the wood and removed any excess wax at the same time. I didn't cut the wax with anything.
Title: Re: Beeswax finish?
Post by: Del the cat on August 02, 2017, 01:38:17 am
Its often mixed with turpentine to a creamy paste, that dries a little better than when it's softened with olive oil, but it's all good. :)
Del
Title: Re: Beeswax finish?
Post by: dirthas on August 03, 2017, 09:12:26 am
I love beeswax to finish bows. Weylin's method works really well. I also like to melt beeswax chips into mineral oil or bacon grease at 50/50 ratio by volume. The mineral oil and beeswax mixture seems to work a little better.