wax on wood

Jim Rehrer

Jim Rehrer

Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
686
I have about 85 blocks of wood laying around that are heavily covered in wax from drying. I have tried sanding it off but after about 1 block my 50 grit belt is plugged up and worthless...anyone know of a fast way to get all this wax off without hurting the wood?
 
Can it be scrapped off with a putty knife? Heat Gun?
 
I'd suggest a scraper. Either a paint scraper with a handle, or the flat steel scrapers. If you're talking about flat wood surfaces, round the scraper's working edge slightly so the corners don't dig in. You'll want something to burnish the cutting edge. They make special burnishing tools, but the edge of a chisel can do the work.
 
I hate it when the wood comes covered with 1/8" of wax.

I scrape it off with a sharp paint scraper - the push/pull type.For odd shaped places I give it a quick brush with a wire brush, or take it to the wire wheel on the shop grinder. No matter what you do ,it will clog the belts up when sanding the surface down,though. Take a heavy, stiff wire brush and, with the belt running, brush it. It will clear the wax/wood and will restore the belt to use again. I have to brush the belt on my 6X48 about every block or two.I use resin coated 36 grit belts to take down the blocks.
Stacy
 
I'm too impatient to scrape it off. I just cut it off with my band saw. I do lose a little bid of wood, but only about the thickness of the saw blade at most.
 
a soft wire bristle brush on a bench grinder does the trick...you may end up with some surface scratches on the wood, but if you are planning on using it for handles then you are still going to finish it anyways right?
 
thanks for all the replies guys...I was really looking forward to this wood coming but when I saw how much wax was on them I thought I was sent candles. I did scrape at them a bit with a knife and it was slow going but I didnt think of a wire brush or a wheel ill try that next. I figured heat wouldnt be good for the wood since it isnt stabilized yet and I dont want to warp it...same thing with solvents.

Anyone know if I leave some of the wax on, will it effect stabilization .... or worse yet effect their equipment?
 
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