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Post by Gibb on Oct 10, 2007 8:58:37 GMT -6
In the last issue of our Fur Harvester magazine we ran a story about how to make wax dirt. www.furharvesters.com/look under What new at Fur Harvesters Cheers Jim
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Post by JWarren on Oct 10, 2007 12:21:40 GMT -6
nice article, i too wonder about the purported 1lb/1gal ratio and wonder if it was first started by somebody selling wax
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Post by titan69 on Oct 10, 2007 20:09:17 GMT -6
Doesn't the dirt stink once you apply the heat ?
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Post by Stef on Oct 10, 2007 20:42:17 GMT -6
Jwaren, I don't think so. All I read or hear in the past about the ratio of dirt & wax...
Everybody was using dirt.
Never heard about using sand and sand doesn't absorb the wax as much as dry dirt.
And too much wax with sand = big solid cake.
Stef
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Post by JWarren on Oct 10, 2007 21:01:43 GMT -6
you should try anthill dirt, it absorbs even less than sand
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Post by RonMarsh on Oct 11, 2007 5:42:36 GMT -6
Doesn't the dirt stink once you apply the heat ? Where the dirt and heat is moving such as in a mixer it is easier to control the mixing of the heat in the dirt and wax. The odor occurs after the wax is added. If you are using a pail over direct heat it is very difficult not to scorch the wax dirt mix. The bottom will be burnt before the top is warm. Using two pails as a double boiler will apply the heat over a larger area and at a lower temperature. 200 F vs. 800 F. The article was a good find on the amount of wax needed, it is very dependent on the type of dirt. A complete loam, near to peat moss in consistency, will suck up 1 + lb wax / gal dirt. Sand takes very little. The only true way to know if you have enough wax in the mix is to test it. I have found that if you place some waxed dirt in a clear jar (1/2 way). Fill the jar the rest of the way with water let it set for an hr. or more. If the water turns cloudy you need more wax. If it remains clear you have a good coating and enough wax.
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Post by Jeffrey on Oct 11, 2007 11:10:48 GMT -6
Stef, could you give us again your less expensive method of making waxed sand?
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Post by Stef on Oct 11, 2007 22:53:16 GMT -6
Jeffrey, Darcy's method looks like the cheapest I've seen so far.
He's using ¼lb wax for 3 gallons of sand.
I use ¼lb wax for 1 gallon of sand.
Never tried Darcy's method but I will. somebody on here made some this year and he did it with ¼lb wax per 2 gallons of sand.
Stef
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Post by HappyPlumber on Oct 12, 2007 7:44:32 GMT -6
I made waxed sand last year but I don't remember the mixture. I used a cement mixer, a propane torch and a large propane cooker to heat the wax and sand separate. When the wax and sand was hot I poured them into the cement mixer separate to mix. Do not let it cool to the point of setting up in the mixer as it will clump together. Before it gets to that point I dumped it out on a large plastic tarp and spread it out. You need to rake it as it cools to keep it from clumping together. When it was cool I put it in gallon plastic bags to use on sets and then in tupper ware boxes. When done making the sets with the waxed sand, all that you need to do is use a small amount of dry powder dirt sifted over the top. This settles in between the sand particles and holds it in place. Making the sand is labor intensive because of the raking, but making the set is a breeze. HP
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Post by Stef on Oct 12, 2007 7:47:35 GMT -6
Know what you mean but..........
Less wax = less or NO racking
Stef
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Post by thebeav2 on Oct 12, 2007 8:02:00 GMT -6
I'm sticking with the dirt I want my sets to blend In and I don't want to be carrying waxed sand and dry dirt to each set to blend the off colored sand. I never had any problem with just heating the drum and then adding the dirt. Once the dirt was warm to the touch I added the granulated wax. I would think that the granulated wax would mix better then If you poured In melted wax. Once the wax and dirt were mixed I shut down the heat and let the mixer run for about a half a hour or until the dirt was cold. I haven't had any trouble with clumping with this method. I'm still sticking with the 3/4s of a pound of wax to 1 gallon of dirt, If It ain't broke don't try and fix it. And wax isn't all that expensive.
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Post by HappyPlumber on Oct 12, 2007 8:14:19 GMT -6
Beav, not to start a discussion on it but not all dirt is the same. Dirt normally has organic material in it and the amount of organic material regulates the amount of wax that is used. Not all wax is the same either. I used regular parafine wax available from a craft store. I wanted unscented wax and the size of the granuals in the sand can be regulated. HP
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Post by thebeav2 on Oct 12, 2007 8:29:12 GMT -6
This Is supose to be easy. I bought the wax from MTP I went down to the local landscaper and backed up to the pile and loaded some black dirt In the back of the truck went home sifted it and waxed it. A 6 pack later I was done.
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Post by mikespring on Oct 12, 2007 10:19:09 GMT -6
Beav...how many gallons of wax dirt to the six pack???
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Post by mikespring on Oct 12, 2007 10:23:15 GMT -6
What are you guys paying per # Granulated versus block wax.
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Post by Jeffrey on Oct 12, 2007 10:49:45 GMT -6
I wouldn't be able to find the mixer with a six pack! That's the other point, I don't have a mixer to use and they are fairly expensive.
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Post by thebeav2 on Oct 12, 2007 14:44:39 GMT -6
The wax cost about $20.00 for 10 lbs. Each 10lbs comes with a six pack LOl If you can't find a mixer rent one for the weekend no sense In owning one. The flake wax makes It so user friendly. Just sift In the wax as the drum turns the hot dirt.
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Post by Bristleback on Oct 12, 2007 15:40:09 GMT -6
Beav, in that 30 minutes you're letting the WD cool........I've made another 3-4 batches of WD.........15-20 more gallons.......toss it on a tarp, fan, rake occasionally until cool.
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Post by cowman on Oct 12, 2007 17:46:03 GMT -6
someone on here taught me to melt the wax before throwing it in the mixer. I tried it this year and it worked like a charm! I did not even heat the dirt, so no danger of burnt dirt smell. I appreciate that tip, who ever gave it out!
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Post by thebeav2 on Oct 12, 2007 21:15:06 GMT -6
I'm comfortable with my system and It has always worked for me. So I guess it's true you can't teach a old dog new tricks LOL
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