I have pulled the oldest comb out of hives and was planning to melt it down for the wax. I have some very dark comb that seems reluctant to melt. Any recommendations for recovering and purifying this wax?
First I put the frames in an old ice chest with a high watt light bulb. Left overnight the temperature got hot enough to melt the plastic foundation, but only softened the wax. No wax flowed. All the comb was still in honey comb shape.
Next I put some in a double boiler...and boiled and boiled and boiled. Same result. No melting.
Next I put some in an old bean can and placed directly on the camp stove. I used great caution here, as I thought the wax might get hot enough to ignite, but it only sizzled. No wax melted.
So I am thinking there is a better way to do this. What would be an appropriate technique to turn this wax into something clean enough to use for candles?