Primitive Archer

Main Discussion Area => Bows => Topic started by: Allyn T on August 07, 2022, 03:36:56 pm

Title: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 07, 2022, 03:36:56 pm
So I tried melting some bees wax and mixing in wax from a toilet ring but the bees wax stunk horribly bad. Any one have any tips for doing this? I tried both straight in a pot and double boiling
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: superdav95 on August 07, 2022, 04:03:13 pm
I just use straight bees wax. I get mine from my local bee keeper.  It’s yellow and smells great.  I’ve been told that some of later season bees wax and the odd batch can be darker too depending on what bees are getting into which could affect the smell too.    At least for me the straight bees wax works good. The stuff I get is nice yellow Color and is firm.  I’ve heard others use various mixes and I’m sure there’s always better ways to do it but just my opinion. 
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Pat B on August 07, 2022, 04:49:20 pm
Use a new, unused toilet ring.  (A)
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 07, 2022, 05:05:22 pm
Lol I'm trying a combo pat so it's not too soft or hard. It's a new ring. Dave the wax even has a burnt plastic smell when it's in bars before I melt it. Must be the batch I have. I'll have to go to the farmers market and try to find some fresh wax
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: PaulN/KS on August 07, 2022, 05:07:16 pm
Not all toilet bowl rings are pure wax...
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 07, 2022, 07:10:25 pm
It's the bees wax that stinks, but as for the toilet wax I did buy the 2 dollar ring
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: George Tsoukalas on August 07, 2022, 08:29:06 pm
I se straight beeswax. Jawge
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: bownarra on August 08, 2022, 02:12:53 am
Mix the beeswax with an oil.....
you want it softer than straight beeswax...
If you can find a good beekeeper ask for some propolis as well - mix that in when you melt it to add the oil. Thank me later :)
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: osage outlaw on August 08, 2022, 08:22:41 pm
I made a big batch and it smelled great.  Like warm honey.  You might have something contaminating your bees wax.
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 09, 2022, 07:22:39 am
Well I made 3 cups and I double boiled it but it still stinks. I guess I'm gonna go to the farmers market and try to find some local stuff and smell test it. Thank you for the responses guys. Bownara, is there a ratio for oil to beeswax you use? Jawge, how do you keep the wax soft enough to use?
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Chumash on August 09, 2022, 08:28:39 am
I use beeswax (ca. 85%), Colophonium ( 10%) and Oil (sunflower, 5%).
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: gutpile on August 09, 2022, 02:04:48 pm
well at least you know you dont have the rona Allyn.... LOL
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 09, 2022, 08:42:43 pm
Chumash, now I know what oil to use thanks for that.
Lol true gut.
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: bradsmith2010 on August 09, 2022, 11:23:00 pm
dont use wax that stinks on the string, it will scare the deer ;D
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: bownarra on August 10, 2022, 01:52:30 am
Just keep adding oil until it is where you want it when cool.

well at least you know you dont have the rona Allyn.... LOL

Nobody has.....
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: organic_archer on August 10, 2022, 11:54:54 pm
Odd. I’ve used 100% beeswax on strings for years. Just rub the block on the string and warm it up with a little square of bison leather until it melts in. Never had a stinky batch! Always smells very mild and pleasant, if it smells at all. 
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 11, 2022, 09:08:28 am
It doesn't smell much now that I've made it into cups but while it was melting it smelled terrible and even the blocks smelled bad before heat. Maybe whoever rendered the wax first used too high of heat and that's what made the odor?
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: JW_Halverson on August 11, 2022, 08:45:49 pm
It doesn't smell much now that I've made it into cups but while it was melting it smelled terrible and even the blocks smelled bad before heat. Maybe whoever rendered the wax first used too high of heat and that's what made the odor?

As a hobby beekeeper, I have never had a situation where the wax smelled of anything but sunshine and honey. I think you got cheated.

Send me your address and I will send out something nice smelling and golden yellow.
Title: Re: Bow string wax
Post by: Allyn T on August 11, 2022, 10:13:26 pm
That would be wonderful! Thank you