bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Dop Wax
Jan 7, 2011 20:18:38 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jan 7, 2011 20:18:38 GMT -5
I was wondering in you should re use dop wax? Does it lose it's holding power? I have heard that every time that you reheat dop wax it loses a bit of it's power.
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Dop Wax
Jan 7, 2011 20:38:27 GMT -5
Post by jakesrocks on Jan 7, 2011 20:38:27 GMT -5
Dop wax does loose its holding power over time. I use the green wax, and I watch the color. When it turns a dark blackish green color, I heat it and scoop it out. Then I let my pot sit overnight in denatured alcohol to dissolve any remaining wax. A pot of wax should be good for at least a month of use. Don
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Dop Wax
Jan 7, 2011 21:09:13 GMT -5
Post by johnjsgems on Jan 7, 2011 21:09:13 GMT -5
It loses a little strength every time it is heated and ruined if ever overheated. If not overheated and if you add a little new when needed it keeps going like the rabbit.
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Dop Wax
Jan 7, 2011 23:05:41 GMT -5
Post by bgast1 on Jan 7, 2011 23:05:41 GMT -5
Hey Don....been meaning to ask this. I know that rubbing alcohol can be denatured but it isn't always. Does it really make a difference whether it is denatured or not. Because I have a pretty good size can, I usually use Acetone for my solvent issues.
John...Those new discs are working fantastic. For those of you that don't know I ordered a 100 and and a 260 faceting discs from John. I think they will last longer than the Ameritool discs. In fact, I am thinking about getting a 360 disc to replace my 325.
Thanks for the replies. The wax is cheap enough, I suppose I will get the wax off my sticks and throw it out.
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Dop Wax
Jan 7, 2011 23:25:12 GMT -5
Post by jakesrocks on Jan 7, 2011 23:25:12 GMT -5
The denatured alcohol you can buy in a hardware store is great for the job. And a lot less expensive than rubbing alcohol. It also costs a lot less than acetone. Just don't try to mix drinks with it. lol
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bgast1
fully equipped rock polisher
Member since July 2010
Posts: 1,076
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Post by bgast1 on Jan 8, 2011 0:14:43 GMT -5
The denatured alcohol you can buy in a hardware store is great for the job. And a lot less expensive than rubbing alcohol. It also costs a lot less than acetone. Just don't try to mix drinks with it. lol LOL!!! My days of drinking everclear are long gone.
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Gem'n I
freely admits to licking rocks
Member since March 2008
Posts: 980
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Post by Gem'n I on Jan 8, 2011 2:31:32 GMT -5
For those of you that want to try to refurbish dop wax, adding some stick shellac to the pot will replace waht is lost in the reheating process...but dop wax is pretty cheap!!
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auntierocks
starting to shine!
Member since July 2009
Posts: 33
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Post by auntierocks on Jan 8, 2011 5:23:14 GMT -5
Mostly I'm just curious - is there some way of making dopping wax?
I found online several recipes for making one's own sealing wax, is it close enough to dopping wax to use them interchangeably?
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Post by drjo on Jan 8, 2011 7:05:25 GMT -5
If your already making your own soap and candles you could try it.
Proper sealing wax it made to shrink slightly, so it will cause holding problems. You may be able to add more shellac to aid in holding.
Dr Joe
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Post by rockmanken on Jan 8, 2011 7:17:33 GMT -5
I have used dop wax for 40 years and have never thrown any out. I reuse it over and over. I add just to replenish that which is lost. Used about 3 sticks in the last 5 years. Mine even gets rock snot in it and it is like the eveready bunny...keeps going and going. So don't worry about it. Just use it. Ken
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drjo
fully equipped rock polisher
Honduran Opal & DIY Nut
Member since May 2008
Posts: 1,581
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Dop Wax
Jan 8, 2011 14:57:18 GMT -5
Post by drjo on Jan 8, 2011 14:57:18 GMT -5
rockmanken, are you using a commercial thermally controlled dop pot?
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Dop Wax
Jan 8, 2011 21:52:45 GMT -5
Post by rockmanken on Jan 8, 2011 21:52:45 GMT -5
No Dr. Jo, I am using a Ken controlled light bulb that actually works great. ;D ;D ;D I get to turn it on and turn it off. VERY, VERY technical stuff. ;D ;D See the post under Equiptment by robbiejohn about dop pots. I put a pix of it on there. I have bought one of the $40+ commercial dop pots that you cannot sit on a wooden desk or it will catch fire. All they are is some hard rubber type product with a heater coil inside it that gets extremely hot. About 5 x 5 and 3/4 inch thick. It sucks. Ken
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