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The Good Wax

Want to make your own Good Wax?

If you enjoy working with wood in any capacity, whether it's woodworking, woodturning, spoon carving, tool restoration, or any other craft, this is for you!

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The Backstory

I'd like to point out that the use of wax and oil to condition wood has been a common practice for thousands of years. In early 2020, I became interested in making my own blend, so I researched various drying oils, such as linseed or flaxseed oil, and found some good options. I also considered using walnut oil, but decided against it due to the possibility of allergic reactions, even when the oil is heated.

 

 The Good Ingredients

For my latest batch of wax and oil mix, I used boiled linseed oil from Sweden that had been aged for 6 months and then heated to 140C for 7 days. It's a premium product that costs around $80 per gallon in 2023.

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The next ingredient I used was local Oregon beeswax. I highly recommend buying beeswax from local beekeepers to support your community. The price ranges from $14 to $22 per pound depending on the source. I got mine from Beelicious Honey (no affiliation), which offers pure beeswax.

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The final ingredient is orange oil, which I sourced from the highest-quality supplier I could find

Orange oil can penetrate deep into the wood fibers, providing a natural moisturizing and conditioning effect that helps prevent drying, cracking, and splitting.

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For containers, I used to use metal tins, but this time I opted for 4oz mason jars that were made in the USA. The jars work great, and they're also microwaveable.

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The Good Tools: 

Here's a list of tools you'll need for this project

  • An induction cooktop with temperature control

  • A stainless steel pot (it's best to use a new pot, one from a thrift store, or one that you don't plan on using for anything else)

  • A scale

  • A metal turkey injector or baster

  • Mechanics gloves

  • A thermometer

 

The Good Instructions:

My go-to ratio (in liquid): 1.5 wax : 1 boiled linseed oil: x amount of orange oil

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  1. Use online calculators to convert beeswax from weight to volume.

  2. Melt the beeswax on the induction cooktop at 160 degrees Fahrenheit

  3. Add the orange oil (for a 3L batch, I'll add 8oz)

  4. Add the boiled linseed oil 

  5. Wait for the whole pot to come back up to 160ish degrees Fahrenheit to fully melt everything together (some wax will turn solid again when it gets under 140F).

  6. Once the contents are liquid again, stir it a little bit.

  7. Use either the turkey injector to suck up the wax (or baster with a metal tube) and dispense it into your containers of choice. Pro-Tip: Don't use anything plastic.

  8. After it starts looking solid in the jars, screw the lids on the containers and you’re done!

 

Want to mix it up?

Adjusting the oil ratio can affect the texture and feel of the mixture on wood. Adding more oil will make it softer while reducing the oil content will make it harder. If you prefer a more liquid consistency, you can also add turpentine to the mix.

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For instance, I've experimented with a 1:1 ratio of wax to oil, which makes the mixture melt more easily in your hand and wipe off the wood more effortlessly. Ultimately, you have the freedom to experiment and adjust the recipe to your liking. So feel free to explore and make it your own!

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Important details:

Here are some important details to keep in mind:

  • Beeswax has a melting point of around 146F and will lose its fragrance above 170F. Its flashpoint is 400F, so be cautious when using heat sources.

  • An induction cooktop can help you maintain precise temperatures while working with beeswax. However, be aware that induction cooktops can reach up to 400F, which is the flashpoint of beeswax.

  • The pot used in this recipe has a 3-liter capacity, but you can use pots of different sizes depending on your needs.

  • It's important to work in a well-ventilated area when melting beeswax, as the scent can be overwhelming for some people.

  • While this recipe uses a direct heat method, you can also try the double-boiler method if you prefer.

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Disclaimers:

The instructions and information provided for making The Good Wax/oil mix are intended for technical use only and should be used at the user's own risk. While we have made every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the results of the wax oil mix or the safety of the process.

We recommend that individuals take all necessary precautions when working with wax and oils, including wearing protective clothing and gloves, working in a well-ventilated area, and following established safety protocols. We are not responsible for any adverse effects, including but not limited to allergic reactions, skin irritation, or any other harm that may result from the use of this mix or the information provided herein.

Individuals should also be aware that the quality and characteristics of the wax and oils used can affect the final product, and should therefore conduct appropriate testing to ensure that the mix is suitable for their intended use. We make no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or suitability of this information for any particular purpose or use, and assume no liability for any loss or damage that may result from the use of this information or the wax oil mix. By using this information or making The Good wax oil mix, individuals assume all responsibility and risks associated with the process.

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Links to all the tools and products I've personally used  (click on the pictures)

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