Flake wax into a solid chunk?

[aaroncurtis]

I got a big order of flake wax last winter and didnt get around to putting up as much dirt as I had planned and forgot to take the unused bags into the basement for the summer so it didn't melt. Well suffice it to say I forgot and I got some solid blocks of flake wax. I probably could get it back to a flake form but thats more work than I want to put into it. Has anyone ever used it for trap wax? I figured if it will work I'll just use it for that. If not I guess I will have a wax grading party.

[deereman]

I ran into the same problem, I have been cooking some dirt this past weekend.... I ended up just busting the wax with a big rubber mallet. worked great!! a little hard on the plastic bag tho... but its done.

[aaroncurtis]

I ended up doing the same with the rubber grip on a hammer laying next too me. Bag took a beating but I didn't need much. Btw I was adding a chunk to the wax pot and not dirt. I often wondered if the dirt could achieve the same quality if we tossed in chunks of wax as opposed to the flake. I think if time was not a concern you could tumble it longer to get a thorough coating that I think would be sufficient. In terms of ease of use and time spent there's no doubt that the flake is a lot faster. I might get some canning wax and cube it up just as an experiment. I think it would work if time wasn't a huge concern. And if you used a cement mixer that gave you constant mixing. Any other way would probably be a pita.

[trappnman]

if you melt the wax and use it i ncement mixer, then doesn;t matter if its flake or not. I think such methods are in archives.

[cmr2]

cement mixer ,heat,dirt add wax ,kinda a waste of time ordering/handleing flake ,get the dirt hot add wax (melted) and let it roll

[thebeav2]

I like It In the flake form. It just Is easier to get a even mix especially when using the cement mixer. By putting large chunks or melting It you get a better chance of getting clumps In your waxed dirt. But of coarse If you keep your dirt hot and keep the mixer turning you can probably get away with It. It's just easier to do It with the flaked wax.

[trapperpatt]

Use a cheese grader attachment on a food processor. See how that works.

[aaroncurtis]

I agree Beav. If time is a factor I think your farther ahead using the flake since it will get evenly distributed faster throughout the dirt. If time is of no concern then I would agree that you probably don't need the flake as long as you let it tumble longer. How much longer would it take? No clue but I'd be shocked if they both finished at the same time. If its just a few minutes longer I'd say the flake is probably a ripoff. But if your putting up alot of dirt and it takes an extra 10-15-20 minutes then how much extra are you spending to run the propane torch/burner.

[aaroncurtis]

Nov 26, 2012 18:28:20 GMT -6 trapperpatt said:

Use a cheese grader attachment on a food processor. See how that works.

I know how that will work...............my wife will beat me dead. I learned my lesson after using some common household appliances for non-traditional uses. I just tell her I'm resourceful which is usually followed up with her saying "NO your an idiot clean out the blender"

[RonMarsh]

Most flake wax is good for trap wax.

or:

Heat dirt, add to mixer, and then melt the wax and pour it into the hot dirt. Cover the mixer tumble until cool.