Here's a quick and
simple way to make your own dubbing wax if you don't have the patience or confidence to
custom blend your own. If you are more inclined to custom blend your own, see the
detailed instructions in the article Making Your Own Dubbing Wax by
Steve Williams.
This method is really quite simple and requires
only a few simple tools. For under $2.00 you will have everything you'll need to
make your own cannisters of dubbing wax that will last you a lifetime. I have found
the wax ring used in sealing toilet bowls has the consistency of tying wax I prefer.
It is pasty and tacky; perfect for most tying applications. To make your own
containers of toilet-bowl tying wax you will need:
Kitchen tongs
An aluminum soda can
Metal shears or sturdy craft shears
Paper towels
A small sauce pan
Water
A toilet bowl wax sealing ring (any hardware
will carry these; about $1.50)
Small containers with lids (Can buy them at American Science & Surplus)
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STEP
1.
Cut a soda can about 1 1/2 inches from the bottom. Pinch a
pouring spout in the lip of the can with your fingers. (circled). Be
very careful of the sharp jagged edges of the aluminum soda can. |
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STEP
2.
Bring about 1" of water to a raging boil. Too much water
will overflow the can and water will get into the melting wax. This is not
desirable.Cut a 2" section of the toilet
bowl wax ring and place it in the aluminum can. Carefully place the aluminum can in
the boiling water. The wax will begin melting right away.
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STEP
3.
Stir the wax with a toothpick or something similar until the wax
has all melted. It will look golden brown like honey. |
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STEP
4.
Line up the dubbing wax containers on a piece of paper towel.
The paper towel will prevent from making a nasty mess on your counter top if you miss the
cannisters while pouring. Quickly and carefully pour the melted wax in each container.
The can and wax will cool quickly. You may have to reheat the wax a time or
two again. |
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Film cannisters make
for great dubbing wax containers, however, one film cannister will most likely last you
literally a life-time. You'll get more than a dozen film cannisters full of dubbing
wax from one toilet bowl wax ring, so consider gathering a few of your friends to share in
on your dubbing wax creation. |
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I found in a local
Chicago-area odds-n-ends surplus store (American Science
& Surplus) a few smaller containers about the same diameter of a film cannister.
These make great dubbing wax containers. Consider pill containers or old
liptsick tubes as well. You can see that I've even labelled my cannister
"Steve's Tying Wax"! A few words
about American Science & Surplus. If you
are looking for that weird container or small brass gidgy or a reddish black thingamabob,
AS&S will most likely have it. As an example: I made a rod wrapping jig from
100% parts purchased at AS&S. They had tension adjusters, teflon thread guides,
dowels, everything! Give them a call and ask them if they have what you are looking for.
PS - When site co-owner Martin Joergensen visited me
last January (1999), I took him to this store. Just ask Martin, he was amazed at
what you could find in this store! We spent over two hours there! |
