Traditional Wax

[mick61]

G`day just a quick question on Trad Wax if it dries out what do you put in it to make it usefull again.Thanks Mick:D

[MacS]

Try a little white spirits or turps.

[astrid]

I think white spirits is different over here to the States. we use it in dry cleaning
If you have traditional bees wax, its usualy thined with gum turpentine not mineral turps.

Astrid

[ubeaut]

G'day mick61 - Mineral Turpentine.

NOT White spirits, which will work, but is much harder to get in Aus than US.

NOT pure or gum turpentine which is much dearer, but more importantly can have some rather nasty side effects to it's use, like sending you crazy, and is thought to cause kidney failure and other stuff if absorbed through the pores of the skin.

For those who just have to dispute everything in the finishing forum... Don't go looking for evidence to dispute this as it's pretty well hidden. Just believe me when I say, I did extensive research for our products (one of which is the Traditional Wax in question) and I'm happier by far with the safety aspects of mineral rather than pure.

Cheers - Neil :U

[Groggy]

The line-up. Pick #2 and don't lose the labels!

[astrid]

This would probably explain all those crazy artists.
Fair comment re the safty aspects.
How much exposure to gum turpetine is dangerous?.
I go through less than 250ml a year.
I only use it because the recipes i have for wax polish ask for the grated beeswax to be disolved in it. And because it smells better.
(clients always comment on how good the workshop smells:U)

Astrid

[Groggy]

Astrid, a quick search found this comment at the Art Materials Information and Education Network (http://www.amien.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1335&postcount=6)

"Mike,

Thanks for posting.

Let everyone be aware that "English Distilled Turpentine" is no safer than any other gum Turpentine. In general, all the turpentines present serious health risks on the order of higher organic solvents, principally in its risk for skin damage and allergic reactions to the vapors. Avoid it. Use a conservator's services unless you can protect your health. "

In relation to the 'mad artists', there may be more concerns to them in the old days because of lead and the glues they used. Hatters and milliners (makers of female hats) also suffered as they used mercury, hence the term "mad as a hatter".

Little more info in the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gum_turpentine)

[MacS]

Mineral Spirits, is equal to your White Spirits, your Mineral Turps is also listed in the same solvent class.

These solvents replaced the Gum and Wood Turpentine in alkyd paints over here years ago. Many painters and finishers are either sensitive or allegic to Turpentine ( I being one of them ) I use to get 'pins and needles' in my hands, so I have not used Turpentine in decades. I use Mineral Spirits and it does the job, it evaporates much faster, and is less expensive.

[astrid]

Thanks guys
Guess I have to find somthing else to create the aromic atmosphere.:)
I'm not kidding here, Being a woman restorer in my part of the world atmosphere is a big sales thing, creates an old world mystique which appeals to Brighton ladies.

A woman in a predominently male profession has to fight with every trick in the book.

Thanks for the interesting info re Hatters, I always thought it came from Lewis Carrols' March hare, as in as mad as a march hare, who happened to be a hatter

Astrid

[Big Shed]

Here you go (http://www.worldwidewords.org/qa/qa-mad2.htm) Astrid, maybe we can both learn something.

Love finding that sort of stuff, thank you Google:2tsup:

[astrid]

Thank BS,
We learn something everyday.

Astrid:)

[jerryc]

Astrid,
Mad as a March hare comes from the fact that the hare lives above ground in a "form" and moves in large and erratic leaps especially, when disturbed so as to shake off pursuit.

Jerry

Everyone is entitle to my opinion

[jerryc]

asrid,
On the point of making your polish more aromatic, just a suggestion. I'm no expert in this field but perhaps the addition of lavender oil or something similar might help.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[astrid]

Were getting somewhat off topic here but "mad as a march hare" is reference to their behavior in spring when they "dance" for their mates.

Astrid

[ravlord13]

Thanks guys
Guess I have to find somthing else to create the aromic atmosphere.:)
I'm not kidding here, Being a woman restorer in my part of the world atmosphere is a big sales thing, creates an old world mystique which appeals to Brighton ladies.

G Day Astrid,
If you want I'LL send you some Tas Musk offcuts, The Bl_ _dy shed smells like a Lolly factory after I cut it, all the local kids hang around waiting for free lifesavers or something.:~
Let me know I'll send you a bag of shavings, I sell it as potpourri.
Catch ya Andrew

[Big Shed]

Guess I have to find somthing else to create the aromic atmosphere.:)
I'm not kidding here, Being a woman restorer in my part of the world atmosphere is a big sales thing, creates an old world mystique which appeals to Brighton ladies.


Astrid, do you use/have Ubeaut Traditional Wax, beautiful smell!, Just apply liberally to whatever before you expect a customer.



A woman in a predominently male profession has to fight with every trick in the book.


Yeah, well..........

[jerryc]

Astrid,
Sorry I was off the thread. Have slapped my wrist and stood me in the corner.

Mum always said I should stop haring around.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[astrid]

BS
yes I have,
Yes it does
And you bet I do!:U

Trouble with the scented waxes is that, although they smell good, the clients recognise the scent, as in lavender or whatever.
they dont know what the smell in my shed comes from but its unfamiliar to them and therefore emphisises the idea of a traditianal craft.
Is their anything safe to use that smells like gum turps?
Maybe I'll get some aromatic wood shavings.
Or just spill some on the floor now and then.
I know this sounds silly but seriously, its the first thing they mention when they come in, followed by gushings of "what a fasinating and wonderful job i have etc.
Scent is a very powerful emotional stimulant.

Astrid:)



Astrid

[ubeaut]

A woman in a predominently male profession has to fight with every trick in the book.What a load of absolute frogsheeit - All she has to do is be as good or better and in most instances that really isn't too hard.

My wife is a first rate polisher and I'd put her work up against most male finishers any day. Some of the best finishing I have seen has been done by women. There is no need whatsoever for tricks. Just high quality work and a bit of pride. The tricks can always be seen through and are no substitute for good workmanship, (I use the word workman in a non gender specific way)

You will most likely find it isn't the turps smell that gets them anyway, it is far more likely to be the French polish smell. Pure turps is a common smell and is hated by many people especially some smokers as it can be quite obnoxious.

If you really must use beeswax and want to smelly it up you can do it with pine or sandalwood oil. But there are many more better waxes than beeswax, that are much easier to work with, aren't stick and won't attract fingermarks, dust, dirt. etc.

Hey there's one mentioned in the first post in this thread. Matter of fact that's what the thread was about, Traditional Wax.

Cheers - Neil :)

[pjcutter]

Astrid, a quick search found this comment at the Art Materials Information and Education Network (http://www.amien.org/forums/showpost.php?p=1335&postcount=6)

"Mike,

Thanks for posting.

Let everyone be aware that "English Distilled Turpentine" is no safer than any other gum Turpentine. In general, all the turpentines present serious health risks on the order of higher organic solvents, principally in its risk for skin damage and allergic reactions to the vapors. Avoid it. Use a conservator's services unless you can protect your health. "

In relation to the 'mad artists', there may be more concerns to them in the old days because of lead and the glues they used. Hatters and milliners (makers of female hats) also suffered as they used mercury, hence the term "mad as a hatter".

Little more info in the Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gum_turpentine)

Wow thats for that little safety tip Groggy. Always good to find that type of information.

[Big Shed]

:2tsup: