Component wax

[Ian - G4JQT]

Is the wax used on coils etc. ordinary bees wax? I have some wound components that I want to to tidy up and re-dip. In the past I've used candle wax diluted with a little olive oil (!) as it sets too hard and flaky otherwise, but I doubt that's an ideal combination.

Thanks

Ian

[G.Castle]

Bees wax is good. It does need to have the moisture driven out for electrical use by heating to just about melting point, (dont overheat!), and kept at that temperature for a couple of hours.

Beeswax is firmer than candle wax, and will withstand higher temperatures, paraffin wax or tallow isn't ideal for electrical work.

[Julesomega]

I assumed it was paraffin wax owing nothing to bees. I wonder if that wax used to cover individual small cheeses is a suitable substitute - it comes in several colours

[G.Castle]

Originally Posted by Julesomega

I assumed it was paraffin wax owing nothing to bees. I wonder if that wax used to cover individual small cheeses is a suitable substitute - it comes in several colours

Softens at very low temperatures and has a high moisture content, probably just refined tallow.

I got SWMBO a candle making kit for Christmas, it contains soy wax, I wonder if that would be better?

[G.Castle]

Originally Posted by merlinmaxwell

I got SHMBO a candle making kit for christmas, it contains soy wax, I wonder if that would be better?

The fumes will be less dangerous to breathe with the soy wax when the component it's coating finally burns up....

[regenfreak]

Oil based polyurethane varnish? It is water repellant and harden well to fix coils. It is known not to affect the Q much. Buy a cheap set of small paint brushes from a pound shop as the brush has to be thrown away for single application.

[suebutcher]

Carnauba wax? An artist friend gave me a block of this he'd used for modelling. It's good for recoating old components because it's stickier and more flexible than paraffin wax.