Uses of Beeswax?

[HHazeldean]

As in the title really, what are the many uses of beeswax that you have come across?

 

[bradleybuckman]

I've used it to harden and seal up knife sheaths and axe masks.

 

[Toadflax]

Waxing linen thread for leatherwork.

Candles.

Soap making.

Done all this, but the best bit is smelling it!


Geoff

 

[Ogri the trog]

Wood polish

Trap lubricant

Fire accellerant

Carrier medium for wild medicines - so I'm told!

Ogri the trog

 

[Toddy]

Lipsyl
Waxing threads, furniture polish, hardening leather, leather creams, a little added to pitch stops it being so brittle.
Smells lovely too

M

 

[Seagull]

Most of all the above, plus, from time to time I use it to shine up the toecaps of my best gawshaws.

Ceeg

 

[Muddypaws]

Treat the insides of wooden cups, as it resists being washed out by alcohol.

 

[Harb505]

Protection/ polish for knife sheaths - mixed with wool fat, carnauba wax and peanut oil,
Wood polish
Candles

 

[Toadflax]

Treat the insides of wooden cups, as it resists being washed out by alcohol.

Oh yes, and hot dipping leather drinking cups.


Geoff

 

[spandit]

Anyone ever collected it in the wild?

 

[Amon81]

Nope I never have.

I only ever really use it on my awl. When making stuff out of leather I use my Woodlore awl to make the holes, its great for leather as its sort of bodkin arrow head square shaped meaning the holes close nicely after. I just put a lighter to a block i've got and every 10 or so holes I rub my awl over it. It make sit SOO much better when going through 3 bits of tough 3mm leather.

I have used it on zips before too when they set a bit tight to open.

 

[Dave Budd]

most of the above, plus (off the top of my head, so most likely more besides):

modelling material for lost wax casting of metal
simple thread locker (rub it on a screw that keeps coming loose and it will stay done up)
sealing and burnishing the edge of leathr sheathes
sealing and polishing wooden furniture
holding small pieces in place whilst engraving them
closing a small pot containing jerky (it created an air tight seal)
as an electrical insulater to stop a torch from shorting out
rub it on a bow string to keep it from fraying/splitting in use
coating forged work with a waterprofing and shiny coating
making furniture polish
making canvas waterproofing

I'm sure I've used it for other stuff too

 

[mace242]

I use it to wax bow strings.

 

[Scots_Charles_River]

At school, sealing woodturning items for food use.

Saw it being used for threads at a fly tieing demo in 1982 at Tannadice cub camp !

 

[lannyman8]

i use it to make bees wax balms and salves, wix it with very very very hot and spicy chilli oil to make your own deep heat rub...

 

[Shewie]

Anyone ever collected it in the wild?

[video=youtube;5IYFIoHXS_Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5IYFIoHXS_Y[/video]

 

[bushwacker bob]

Bees use the stuff to lay eggs in and store honey.