Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => EQUIPMENT USAGE, EXPERIMENTATION, HIVE PLANS, CONSTRUCTION TIPS AND TOOLS => Topic started by: Shanevrr on February 13, 2012, 09:05:58 pm

Title: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shanevrr on February 13, 2012, 09:05:58 pm
Does anyone have experiance with this and is it cost effective?  My questions are how long does it last,  what does it look like long term,  do the bees use it all, 

Whats the best method and how much should you do at one time?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 14, 2012, 01:34:21 am
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesdipping.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesdipping.htm)
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shanevrr on February 14, 2012, 08:15:59 pm
nice instructions mr bush....but can you tell me this.  how long does it last,  and what does it look like long term,
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 15, 2012, 12:49:15 am
I started doing it in 2007.  So far so good.  Most of them look like new.  I can't say what they do in the long term until I get there.  :)  But reports from others are it lasts as long as the box.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shanevrr on February 15, 2012, 10:03:01 pm
Thanks,  where can I find material?  I looked at mannlake and didnt see anything.  I have 100 lbs of beewax,  so I guess I need pariffin, and gum rosin for rest.  I getting ready to build my tank.  Im going for 6 deeps at once.  Any special features you wish you would have done?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 16, 2012, 05:41:53 am
I bought the gum rosin from mann lake.  I don't see it in the catalog anymore, but you could call.   I find such things are often still available.  If not:
http://catalog.pcchem.com/item/paint-coatings-ink-adhesive-and-sealant-chemicals/resins-plasticizers/item-2303 (http://catalog.pcchem.com/item/paint-coatings-ink-adhesive-and-sealant-chemicals/resins-plasticizers/item-2303)

I used just beeswax and rosin, but most use paraffin and rosin.

I would build a larger tank if I were doing it again in the volume I've been doing it.  I can do 1 full box and two half boxes.  And then I pull the full, flip the halves and add one more to finish the first two halves and one more.  So I get four boxes done every two batches, which averages two a batch.  I would build it to do four at least if I were doing it again... but that takes more wax to fill it...
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shanevrr on February 16, 2012, 11:11:19 pm
can you guess at how much they soak up?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 17, 2012, 11:38:40 pm
I dipped probably six hundred boxes, 250 bottoms, 200 tops, 30 or 40 five frame nucs, 50 or so four way and two way mating nucs and I went through 100 pounds of rosin and 200 pounds of beeswax but the tank is still full... and that is probably 20 or 30 pounds of rosin and 60 pounds of beeswax.  I don't know what that comes to exactly...
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Grandpa Jim on February 17, 2012, 11:58:16 pm
This paper (page 2) says about 30 grams (about 1oz) per deep hive body

http://www.queenrightcolonies.com/uploads/HotWaxDippingofBeehives.pdf (http://www.queenrightcolonies.com/uploads/HotWaxDippingofBeehives.pdf)
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Grandpa Jim on February 28, 2012, 06:18:24 pm
[imghttp://(http://img607.imageshack.us/img607/2255/waxdippinghives013.jpg) (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/607/waxdippinghives013.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)][/img]

I am not quite big enough to justify a custom made tank and several hundred pounds of wax to dip my woodware, but hate painting enough to figure out another way.  The pan pictured came with my business 25 years ago, it is 1/4 inch aluminum (almost went to the recyclers several times)  Restaurant supply houses still sell a similar pan (about $150.).  I can do one side at a time so obviously it takes longer but it only took 9 pounds of wax and 9 pounds of Microcrystalline wax to get started and only 30 minutes to get up to temp.  Once up to temp one burner was able to maintain temp.  After 20 supers, still plenty of wax to do another 20 or more.

I worked inside, not recommended in a home.  I was under a commercial exhaust hood to keep the slight amount of smoke exhausting to the outside.

I did each side for 8 minutes so for 2 mediums, just over 1/2 hour.   Bottom boards do not fit, but could be done from corner to corner in the pan (getting the edges no problem) and than brushed hot wax onto the center of the board.  Not as good as submerging, but as the edges cooked I kept putting hot wax on the center and you could see foaming as the wood got hotter.

Jim

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shanevrr on February 28, 2012, 10:22:12 pm
Thanks for the info,  I called mannlake and they have everything I need.  BUT they told me you have to dip every three years,  which surprised me.  I thought it would last longer than that.  paint last longer than that.  I really want to dip but not every three years.  Michael you say yours has lasted 5 years no issues?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 29, 2012, 01:10:50 am
I dipped mine in 2006 or 2007 and they mostly look like new.  Some grain seems to absorb it less and that has turned a little gray in places, but most looks like brand new wood.  People who do it seem to think it lasts a lot longer than that... I won't be able to say for a few more years... :)
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Cheech on March 09, 2012, 03:41:10 am
does anyone have experience dipping with a combination of wax and linseed oil.  i'v heard of people painting with this combination, but not dipping like whats been suggested here.
can't seem to locate gum rosin here in Jamaica, seems no one in the paint manufacturing industry has ever heard of the product.  i can get parafin wax in 50lb slabs, and raw linseed oil by the gallon.

cheers
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: CapnChkn on March 15, 2012, 12:39:16 pm
I wouldn't.  I know oily linseed oil rags can spontaneously combust (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linseed_oil#Spontaneous_combustion).  The hardware variety also has compounds to assist in curing.  I can see using it on the outside of the hive, "dipping" would permeate all the pores with this stuff.  At some point the bees will chew on something, which is why beeks avoid using any potential problem stuff.

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Jim134 on March 19, 2012, 02:41:13 pm
Now this is the one I like.

http://youtu.be/f5UUJT8ooVE (http://youtu.be/f5UUJT8ooVE)


   BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: fallout588 on March 20, 2012, 11:22:16 pm
That is a nice setup. Good idea with the tank lid holding the boxes down and nice assembly jigs.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: GDRankin on May 21, 2014, 01:53:47 am
Nice stuff here guys.
I realize this is an old thread, but if anyone is still watching it, I'd be curious to know about the updated results. Meaning, at the time of these posts, two years ago, things were still holding up well . . . how are they now?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Sebashtion H. on December 21, 2017, 11:47:29 am
michael bush how are the hives holding up that you dipped years ago?

also had a some questions i seen a video of the guy in the garage assembling his hives and dipping the same night, the one with the awesome clamp and painting jigs......

being a woodworker i know the glues are water clean up, with that said in the video he glues them and seems to dip them the same time (no  24hr cure time) wouldn't this just void the gluing aspect, and the fact you are cooking the boxes at a high temp would that not just melt out the glue even if it is cured.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on December 21, 2017, 02:19:49 pm
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/Hives1.jpg

These were dipped in 2004 and have been in the weather every since.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Acebird on December 21, 2017, 02:29:14 pm
being a woodworker i know the glues are water clean up, with that said in the video he glues them and seems to dip them the same time (no  24hr cure time) wouldn't this just void the gluing aspect, and the fact you are cooking the boxes at a high temp would that not just melt out the glue even if it is cured.

Finger joints don't need glue if you can keep the wood from rotting around the nails and mating surfaces.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Sebashtion H. on December 22, 2017, 01:33:18 am
being a woodworker i know the glues are water clean up, with that said in the video he glues them and seems to dip them the same time (no  24hr cure time) wouldn't this just void the gluing aspect, and the fact you are cooking the boxes at a high temp would that not just melt out the glue even if it is cured.

Finger joints don't need glue if you can keep the wood from rotting around the nails and mating surfaces.
thanks, not trying to be rude but that didnt answer or help with the question of hot wax melting or washing the glue out and some of us that don't build with finger joints but build with rabbits.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Sebashtion H. on December 22, 2017, 01:34:28 am
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/Hives1.jpg

These were dipped in 2004 and have been in the weather every since.

thank you Michael they look great!!!!! I love the aged look on beehives!!!
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Acebird on December 22, 2017, 10:04:52 am
thanks, not trying to be rude but that didnt answer or help with the question of hot wax melting or washing the glue out and some of us that don't build with finger joints but build with rabbits.

Most likely the glue is toast.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Live Oak on February 15, 2019, 03:53:20 pm
I dipped mine in 2006 or 2007 and they mostly look like new.  Some grain seems to absorb it less and that has turned a little gray in places, but most looks like brand new wood.  People who do it seem to think it lasts a lot longer than that... I won't be able to say for a few more years... :)

Michael, I DO realize this is a very old thread but it seems that after I conducted a search that it is apparently the only one on this topic.  I recently purchased a 50 gallon stainless steel pot for Beverage Depot as well as about 200 lbs. of micro-crystalline and 240 lbs. of 130 degree paraffin wax from Aztec.  I already have a Bayou Classic KAB6 Bayou Cooker 210,000 btu propane burner.  I am going to try starting off with a 50/50 mix of the micro-crystalline and paraffin wax and adjust from there.  I am going to eventually experiment with gradually adding bees wax in place of the paraffin once I use up the paraffin wax as I found out it has an approx. 147 degree melting point.  In theory it should be a good fit with the micro-crystalline wax which as a 180 degree melt point. 

I guess my questions are, have you done any more wax dipping since back in 2007/2008?  Before I purchased the wax dipping equipment/supplies, I tried buying some wax dipped woodware that was dipping in a mix of 130 degree paraffin wax and gum rosin.  It felt greasy and I can already tell I will not like it once the temperatures are up in the 90's +.  Hence why I purchased the micro-crystaline wax. 

I see you have had a number of questions asking you about how your wax dipped boxes are holding up so I won't add to them but I WILL ask now that you have gone the wax dipping route and have had a number of years of use and experience with it, what if anything would you do differently, change, NOT do, etc. ? 

With over 100 hives and plans to double that this season, I am soooooooo tired of painting boxes only to see them last maybe 4 or 5 years and in more than a few cases much less due to fire ants and other ants hollowing out the boxes building nests.  I have 50 brand new 6 frame nucs that I want to start off with wax dipping and I hope to gradually phase in replacement boxes, etc. as my other woodware gets replaced. 

I tried starting off on the smallest scale I could think of with the 50 gallon pot and may consider upgrading to the wax dipping tank that Ian G posted over on Beesource.  He has over $5,000 tied up in that wax dipping tank and wax.  That was just a bit more than I wanted to try starting off with being that I have never used wax dipped woodware until this year and as I am apparently observing unless you tell me otherwise, you have not wax dipped any woodware since 2007/2008???  That is a LOT of money tied up in a wax dipping tank that gets use only a few times in 5 years unless I decide to wax dip for other beekeepers and I am not even sure there is much if any demand for it. 

Thanks in advance for your reply to this old thread and please feel free to include any other thoughts or suggestion you may have on this topic. 
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: beeman2009 on February 16, 2019, 10:55:35 am
Live Oak,
beeman here from north of you in Portland. I built  my own wax dipping setup this past winter for the same reason. I have no hands on field experience yet but made my decision based on what I've read & know about wood properties. Also ran across a beekeeper in College Grove TN that showed me some wax dipped cypress boxes he was using that he said he bought over 20 years ago. All I can tell you is they looked almost new!!! He had some of them stored outside, uncovered & said he always stores them that way. So I thought I would try it myself. Was wondering if you would mind sharing your wax source info? That stuff is pricey$$$$

Thanks in advance. Let me know how it works for you.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Live Oak on February 17, 2019, 01:05:29 pm
Was wondering if you would mind sharing your wax source info? That stuff is pricey$$$$

Thanks in advance. Let me know how it works for you.

Sure thing!   I purchased my wax from Aztec.  They are located in Knoxville, TN.  Here is a link to the waxes they carry:

https://www.candlemaking.com/candlemaking/wholesale-wax.html

Based on their recommendations and the best price I got the wax linked below:

https://www.candlemaking.com/igi-5715-microcrystaline-wax-66lb-case.html

https://www.candlemaking.com/best-seller-igi-1230-multi-purpose-wax-60lb-case.html

Yes INDEED it IS very expensive.  The wax typically will cost more than the wax dipping tank, lid, burner, gloves, and other things needed to dip. 

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 19, 2019, 10:07:33 am
>Michael, I DO realize this is a very old thread but it seems that after I conducted a search that it is apparently the only one on this topic.  I recently purchased a 50 gallon stainless steel pot for Beverage Depot as well as about 200 lbs. of micro-crystalline and 240 lbs. of 130 degree paraffin wax from Aztec.  I already have a Bayou Classic KAB6 Bayou Cooker 210,000 btu propane burner.  I am going to try starting off with a 50/50 mix of the micro-crystalline and paraffin wax and adjust from there.  I am going to eventually experiment with gradually adding bees wax in place of the paraffin once I use up the paraffin wax as I found out it has an approx. 147 degree melting point.  In theory it should be a good fit with the micro-crystalline wax which as a 180 degree melt point. 

>I guess my questions are, have you done any more wax dipping since back in 2007/2008?

Most every year since 2012.

> Before I purchased the wax dipping equipment/supplies, I tried buying some wax dipped woodware that was dipping in a mix of 130 degree paraffin wax and gum rosin.  It felt greasy and I can already tell I will not like it once the temperatures are up in the 90's +.  Hence why I purchased the micro-crystaline wax. 

That is not NEARLY hot enough.  I'm using beeswax and rosin, but anything below 250 F won't cook the wood which is what you need to do.  Anything significantly over 250 F causes issues with boiling over.  You need to cook them for 10 minutes.  If the water isn't boiling in the wood you're not really accomplishing anything.

>I see you have had a number of questions asking you about how your wax dipped boxes are holding up so I won't add to them but I WILL ask now that you have gone the wax dipping route and have had a number of years of use and experience with it, what if anything would you do differently, change, NOT do, etc. ? 

I'd love to have a slightly bigger tank and I'd love to make one that is heated by pressurized steam to 250 F and eliminate the open flame of my old gas stove.  But so far I haven't got that done.

>With over 100 hives and plans to double that this season, I am soooooooo tired of painting boxes only to see them last maybe 4 or 5 years and in more than a few cases much less due to fire ants and other ants hollowing out the boxes building nests.  I have 50 brand new 6 frame nucs that I want to start off with wax dipping and I hope to gradually phase in replacement boxes, etc. as my other woodware gets replaced. 

I wouldn't say that cooking them is less work, but I think the wood lasts longer.

>I tried starting off on the smallest scale I could think of with the 50 gallon pot and may consider upgrading to the wax dipping tank that Ian G posted over on Beesource.  He has over $5,000 tied up in that wax dipping tank and wax.  That was just a bit more than I wanted to try starting off with being that I have never used wax dipped woodware until this year and as I am apparently observing unless you tell me otherwise, you have not wax dipped any woodware since 2007/2008???  That is a LOT of money tied up in a wax dipping tank that gets use only a few times in 5 years unless I decide to wax dip for other beekeepers and I am not even sure there is much if any demand for it. 

Here we are dipping in 2016: http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes2.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes1.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes2.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes3.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes4.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes5.jpg
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2016/DippingBoxes6.jpg

Here we are dipping in 2018: http://www.bushfarms.com/images/BeeCamp2018/WaxDippingBoxes.jpg

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Live Oak on February 19, 2019, 02:24:32 pm
Thanks Michael!  That was very helpful.  I see you even got Hillary to help with the dipping.  Cool!  When I get started dipping, I'll get some pictures and post them for you. 
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on September 07, 2020, 10:06:27 am
Noticed in Michael's 2018 photo they were dipping previously painted boxes. Can you also dip wooden ware that has been linseed oiled? Have very little painted equipment, just some I bought used. Very first hive was straight linseed oil, have since have thinned it with odorless mineral spirits so it penetrates better and drys quicker.

Do I need a thermometer? Or just gage the temp by how much it is boiling? Will be working outdoors in either case...

Have a long steam table pan on order so this will be a tiny rig to do one side / edge at a time. Mainly screen bottom boards and a pollen trap. Can not afford to fill a large tank even if I had one :sad:
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on September 16, 2020, 12:29:22 pm
>Can you also dip wooden ware that has been linseed oiled?

I'm sure you could.  Yes, I dip old painted ones as well as new ones and sometimes if they were dipped before I might do it again if they start looking dried out.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on September 16, 2020, 09:56:44 pm
Thank you! And I now know I do need a thermometer. Not sure how I missed that but it had been a few months since I read your page on wax dipping.

Disappointed in my stainless steel steam table pan. Just a tiny bit too short to do the long edge of thin wooden ware. Thought it would be ideal (other than labor intensive) for items with screens since you do not want wax all over the screen. Back to the drawing board...

Also waiting to hear back from a local source for wax. They also have gum rosin which the candle supply company Live Oak posted does not. If their prices are not too high can save a bit on shipping by picking it up.
Title: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: TheHoneyPump on September 25, 2020, 11:43:02 am
As for the question of how long wax dipped woodware lasts.  We have boxes that were dipped 25-30 years ago that have been in continuous use as brood chambers ever since. Exposed to all weather extremes. Based on time elapsed and current condition, my thumbmeter says they will easily last another 10+ yrs.
Painted boxes start deteriorating at the corner joints between 5-10 years. And those see only intermittent summer use as honey supers.
Deck and siding oil-preserve stained boxes hold up into the 10-15 year range in continuous use, then start rotting along the bottom edges of the box.
In summary, if you want to do it once and have the boxes last as long as you will, then do the hot wax dip. Do not skimp on the equipment setup. As per Mr Bush, high temperature 250-275 F is necessary.  Full immersion is necessary.  Do it right.  Do it once. Or do not do it at all.

CAUTION:  Like a turkey pot fryer or fries deep fryer, the wax level needs to be low with lots of head room in the tank or it can overflow. When the woodware is put in and comes up to temperature the moisture within it will boil out.  This creates bubbling and foaming as the water vaporizes.  If the tank level is too high, hot wax spits droplets and foam will overflow out the top.  MAJOR FIRE HAZARD!   Wax fires are near impossible to put out, they have to be left to burn out.  Only do this operation outside and well away from buildings and other assets.  An overflow WILL destroy your shop, your house, your neighbours house, etc.

Hope that helps!
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on September 25, 2020, 07:51:18 pm
I agree with all of the above.  I have a used propane stove that I bought cheap and I have it thirty or forty feet from any building.  I have a long hose going to a BBQ size propane bottle.  If I ever had a fire, I'd turn off the propane, disconnect it,walk way and let it burn.  The important thing is to never leave it unattended.  The flashpoint of beeswax is 400F (204C).  If you keep a thermometer and don't let it get over 275F or so then your only issue is boiling over or running over.  I find at 275F it tends to boil over.  That's 2 parts beeswax and 1 part rosin.  It would be different with different mixtures of different waxes.  Paraffin and gum rosin is common.  Micro crystalline paraffin is another.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on September 26, 2020, 09:51:31 am
What is the minimum safe 'head room"?

Still looking for a cheap improvised tank to get started. Have priced metal to fabricate a full size tank. Ouch! Not wanting to spend that much for just my own equipment. Will ask around the local clubs and if no one else close is doing 'dipping for hire' may build one in the next few years. Getting close to retirement so this might be a good side line for later.

Local wax: Asked for price and minimum quantities on paraffin, micro-crystalline and gum rosin. Got a partial answer...

Gum rosin is $1.85 per pound with a 55 lb minimum and in stock. 130 degree melt paraffin is $1.53 per pound with a 50 lb minimum. This is only a few cents a pound more than the source Live Oak posted. Unfortunately the brand I asked about is not stocked in Georgia. The micro-crystalline is sold by the pallet not box so a 1,675 lb minimum. Nor was a price quoted.

Then inquired about a higher melt paraffin or a comparable product in a different line. (They sell several...) Sales person then asked how often I would need the micro-crystalline and did not answer my question.

And yes, know I do not need both gum rosin and micro-crystalline. Have not decided which mix to use.
Title: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: TheHoneyPump on September 26, 2020, 02:00:25 pm
Head room.  1/3rd
Your cheapest tank is a standard steel honey drum filled to half along with the barrel lid.  For heat retention and keep the operating bills down wrap it with 2 to 4 inch mineral wool insulation, outer aluminum shield, and a fairly wide rim flashing around the top ledge of the insulation to prevent drippings or overflow from getting into the insulation.  You can go with electric or propane/gas for heat underneath.  Do not use an immersion heater.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on September 26, 2020, 10:00:33 pm
Thanks for that info HoneyPump! A barrel is certainly cheaper than fabbing a rectangular tank. Downside is it will take almost as much wax to fill to 21" as a tank and only do one deep at a time. Decisions decisions... Do like the insulation idea. Never would have thought to look for mineral wool. Local building supply even stocks one size and can order others.

Just re-read this thread from the beginning and Grandpa Jim (Reply #9) back in 2012 mentioned using a pan made of 1/4" aluminum. Think I have found my improvised tank! Exactly what it is and why I have it would best be discussed down below in one of the non bee subfourms . But will get me started without spending a dime on a tank and half or less on wax. Plus it will still be still be useable for its intended purpose if I ever want to restart that boondoggle.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on October 04, 2020, 04:25:03 pm
>What is the minimum safe 'head room"?

First, just be sure to insert anything slowly and pay attention so you don't overflow.  Second, allow another two or three inches after it is full of boxes for it to boil.  I put four boxes in, but not all are in and not all of the box is in.  My tank does two and two halves of eight frame medium boxes.  The bottom box is all the way under.  The next box in the stack is half way under.  The next box is there to hold the other two down.  One box is on end in the middle and it is halfway immersed.  With that I need about six or eight inches.  But it will depend on how much bigger the container is than the boxes how much the level goes up when you add the boxes.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on March 10, 2021, 10:28:51 pm
 Just an update. (Yes I move slow!) Just picked up 200 LBs of 140 melt paraffin and 110 LBs of gum rosin today. ~$520 and they threw in a damaged box of wax for free :smile: So 250 LBs total on the wax.


R.E. Carroll in Dalton GA and they are super nice folks to deal with. Not really set up for retail, but if you have a company name they do not ask questions :wink: Four locations so if you happen to be near one you can save a ton on shipping. (Prices are within a few cents per LB of the candlemaking co Live Oak used.)


Still agonizing about a tank... Read somewhere that it is possible to sideways 'nest' two deeps and fit them in a standard 55 gallon drum. Tested this and it does (just barely) work! Heck of a lot cheaper and far less work than fabricating a rectangular tank. Also researching 'over pack' 85 gallon drums. If they are the size I think they are, can do three deeps at a time just like a rectangular tank. Stay tuned...

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: jalentour on March 11, 2021, 04:16:39 pm
William Bagwell, if you end up using the 55 gallon drum, what are you going to heat it with.  Used gas stoves around here are $60.  55 gallon drums $10. 
I just need to dip nucs but the heat source is an issue financially.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on March 12, 2021, 10:36:30 pm
@jvalentour Not decided yet, but looking at propane burners like Live Oak mentions up in post #23. If you can find a used stove cheap that is already set up for propane (or you have natural gas) that might work well. I do not want the extra height of a stove since I'm thinking of trailer mounting my tank after I retire. Nor do I want the hassle of finding a propane conversion kit for an old stove.

55 gallon drums /can/ be free if you have the right connections. Suggest spending a little more and getting an open top with a lid. Yes, you can cut the top out of a bung style drum but then you will have to figure out a way to cover it when not in use. Protect your wax, even paraffin is expensive!

Found refurbished 85 gallon drums within driving distance. Not cheap but way less than new plus shipping. Several on-line sources show the inside diameter at 26". The diagonal of a 10 frame lang is 25 3/4". Got my fingers crossed this will work!
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on March 27, 2021, 12:20:42 pm
It fits! A standard ten frame lang body just barely fits inside my new 85 gallon drum. Went with a more expensive new drum for several reasons, no idea what had previously been in the used one. Plus much closer, would have had to waste a precious day of vacation for the used one. Only had to get up an hour early for this one.

Pic if it shows up...
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Ben Framed on March 27, 2021, 10:06:33 pm
It fits! A standard ten frame lang body just barely fits inside my new 85 gallon drum. Went with a more expensive new drum for several reasons, no idea what had previously been in the used one. Plus much closer, would have had to waste a precious day of vacation for the used one. Only had to get up an hour early for this one.

Pic if it shows up...

let us know how this works out. Thanks and good luck.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on March 27, 2021, 11:02:54 pm

let us know how this works out. Thanks and good luck.

Will do!  In a race to get it finished before I have to use most of my new equipment. (Splitting season...) My e$pensive pollen trap and $nellgrove board are not coming out of there boxes until they go in the dipping tank!
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on April 07, 2021, 10:31:41 pm
Just ordered my burner. Went with the double jet version with 367,000 BTUs! Feel like Tim Taylor :tongue: Same stand as the KAB6 Live Oak has, so presumably the same over all size. Also ordered two thermometers and a longer hose. Found an authorized dealer for Bayou Classic which seems to have more choices and better prices than Amazon. No free shipping so it may average out...

Wife is on board and wanting it finished ASAP. Just bought three bird houses she wants dipped.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on February 04, 2022, 06:06:20 pm
I am sick of painting. Mr Bush what are the dimensions of your tank if you would please and how many lbs of wax to bring it to dipping level?
Thank you in advance
Bill
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: BeeMaster2 on February 05, 2022, 10:49:21 am
Bill,
I made a wax dipping tank. You are welcome to use it. I am planning on doing some dipping at BeeFest.
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on February 22, 2022, 06:52:52 pm
Jim, give me a call. I would be interested in splitting wax cost.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on July 30, 2022, 05:40:46 pm
Update on the wax dipping, I built a dipping tank out of my scrap pile. Took me 2 days. Only really cost me for the burner parts and gas. All told not including my time came to under 100.00. Wax wasnt cheap, I went with a premix parafin/micro. with a flash point of 425 deg.

Will do 3 deeps, 2 mediums and a variety of tops, bottoms, shims, etc. Will also do my double pallets if I turn them over and double dip.

All in all Im happy with the outcome. Takes just as long to dip a pallet of woodenware as paint. Actually if you have something else to do while the wax is melting its a lot quicker.

A few things I discovered. Insulation, not needed but I would suggest it. Was an afterthought for me, but help tremendously on melt time second time around. (the wax also never hardened for 2 days after) Something to keep the boxes off the bottom of the tank. I scorched all the med. I did first go around.

I already rotated a pile to the field.
Now to see how long they hold up. If I get 10 yrs Ill be ecstatic.

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on July 30, 2022, 05:42:53 pm
Ill be dang finally figured the pis out.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Ben Framed on August 01, 2022, 02:28:39 pm
Good pictures at that Bill!

Phillip
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on August 01, 2022, 03:19:55 pm
Ha Ha, thanks, took me longer to figure out the pictures than it did to build the tank and dip the boxes.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Ben Framed on August 01, 2022, 03:31:29 pm
lol
 :grin:
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Plinsc on September 03, 2022, 10:48:28 am
Interesting thread!
 I was thinking of a barrel to dip in but wondered how this sets up, is it sticky or does it harden up?
I?m thinking of dipping individual pieces as I build.
 If that would work i oils get by with a smaller tank.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: BeeMaster2 on September 03, 2022, 02:19:33 pm
Plin,
As long as you are screwing the boxes together it will work. Once you wax dip the parts, you will not bee able to glue them together.
Jim Altmiller.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on September 03, 2022, 05:28:26 pm
Plin,  The wax I chose, a premix parafin/micro. with a flash point of 425 deg. Was in my opinion just rite.
It comes out hard as nails, and hasnt melted out with the fla sun beating on them ( unlike some others I worked with). It also allows me to dip at the temperature I wanted to.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Ben Framed on September 04, 2022, 08:00:14 am
Though I have not wax dipped, I agree with Jim adding glue first before screwing the boxes together. I tried the screw only method as an experiment on a couple boxes when I first started, and was not happy with the results as compared to 'glued first' boxes.

Phillip
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Plinsc on September 04, 2022, 10:35:47 am
 I didn?t think about the glue, thanks all for that
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Bill Murray on September 04, 2022, 03:16:16 pm
Also the boxes I dipped I didnt glue. I have progressed from gluing and stapling, to gluing and nailing to no glue and nails, to no glue and screws. I have been quite content with no glue and screws. It was never the whole box that went, but rather pieces at a time the screws and no glue allow them to be repaired easier in my opinion.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shelton on February 25, 2023, 11:07:48 am
It fits! A standard ten frame lang body just barely fits inside my new 85 gallon drum. Went with a more expensive new drum for several reasons, no idea what had previously been in the used one. Plus much closer, would have had to waste a precious day of vacation for the used one. Only had to get up an hour early for this one.

Pic if it shows up...

Just wondering how this has worked out for you, I?m considering doing the same thing. I also considered using a couple of  drum band heaters to avoid the open flame but I have a feeling it would be terribly slow and may not work. Some of them get up to around 400 degrees F. Any thoughts on that?
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Ben Framed on February 25, 2023, 12:40:11 pm
Welcome to Beemaster Shelton!

Phillip
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: The15thMember on February 25, 2023, 03:41:07 pm
Welcome to Beemaster, Shelton!  :happy:
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: BeeMaster2 on February 25, 2023, 08:15:05 pm
Shelton,
Welcome to Beemaster
Jim Altmiller
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on February 25, 2023, 09:27:46 pm
Just wondering how this has worked out for you, I?m considering doing the same thing. I also considered using a couple of  drum band heaters to avoid the open flame but I have a feeling it would be terribly slow and may not work. Some of them get up to around 400 degrees F. Any thoughts on that?

  Still a work in progress, very slow progress... Lot of mandatory overtime at my work and even though it ended last year, so far behind on every thing else have not got back on my tank. Want it running for my own equipment, but having it for a retirement 'side hustle' is also important. Did get the trailer I'm going to mount it on put together!


Skeptical about drum heaters (BTW we have discussed this, um, 'elsewhere') but the heavy duty ones do say they are rated for continuous use. The cheaper ones do not. Kind of an expensive risk to find out you need to add a second or third one. Or worse, they do not work at all.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Shelton on February 25, 2023, 10:23:44 pm
Thanks for the reply! I think you?re probably right about the drum heaters. I?ve been pricing wax today. wow! That?s not cheap!

Thanks for all the welcomes!!

Edit: not sure why I get ? Instead of apostrophes.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: William Bagwell on February 26, 2023, 12:17:32 pm
Thanks for the reply! I think you?re probably right about the drum heaters. I?ve been pricing wax today. wow! That?s not cheap!
Edit: not sure why I get ? Instead of apostrophes.
Was not cheap two years ago, plus shipping has gone up as well. Your only about two hours from Dalton so be sure and check RE Caroll's prices. They were just a few cents per pound higher than on line then so saving shipping made them cheaper over all.

The most common reason is your on a smart phone which does not use a proper apostrophe.
Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: NigelP on February 26, 2023, 01:18:19 pm
Not sure if this is relevant but are you guys looking for something like this?
(https://www.abelo.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Steam-Boiler.jpg)

Web link https://www.abelo.co.uk/shop/frames/steam-boiler/

I have an older version sold as a Polish potato boiler....the start of homemade vodka making..... :cheesy:
I like the fire and grate heating and they certainly do a good job of cleaning frames, queen excluders etc. Of course as you pull things out they seem to get a thin layer of wax coating.

Title: Re: Wax Dipping Woodenware
Post by: Michael Bush on February 27, 2023, 06:27:55 am
Even if the band is 400 F I'm sure the wax wouldn't make it to that temperature.  Would it get hot enough?  Maybe.  It takes a long time to heat it on a gas stove with all four burners running...