Base Wax Has Stiffened

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donstephan

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Jul 24, 2016
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Cincinnati Ohio
Shame on me, I did not make a 2nd round of pens for almost 18 months. The sheet of base wax my dentist had given me has gotten very stiff and sometimes breaks apart when pressing the end of a tube into it along an edge. An MSDS for base wax suggests it is primarily or solely paraffin (derived from petroleum). In theory mineral spirits will soften the base wax, but too much might make it too soft, and mineral spirits is so very slow to evaporate. Has anyone encountered this problem and found a solution?
 
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jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
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NJ, USA.
I am assuming you are using this to plug the ends of tubes when casting or whatever. Why not switch to playdo. That is all I use and it last a long time and does not dry out. Works great. Have no answer for the problem but that would be my suggestion.:):)
 

jttheclockman

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Feb 22, 2005
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NJ, USA.
Find modeling clay that doesn't harden nor dry out if left open. Playdo drys out if left out. I've been using the same pack of clay for over a year.


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app

I have been using the same playdo that has to be at least 6 years old. Put it back in container and close lid. Cheap too and can be found anywhere toys are sold. :):):)
 

Charlie_W

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Nov 16, 2011
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Sterling, VA USA
I have some that is years old but I keep it in a ziplock baggie....it is still good.

Warming the wax could help but you may need to do so each time you use it.
I would place a piece of parchment paper / wax on a tray and place in a barely warm oven for a few minutes....oven off of course. Might just work!
Then the parchment paper can be folded around the remaining wax till next time.
 

randyrls

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Feb 2, 2006
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Harrisburg, PA 17112
I have some that is years old but I keep it in a ziplock baggie....it is still good.

Warming the wax could help but you may need to do so each time you use it.
I would place a piece of parchment paper / wax on a tray and place in a barely warm oven for a few minutes....oven off of course. Might just work!
Then the parchment paper can be folded around the remaining wax till next time.

Charlie; I take the wax into the house for a while and plug the ends and CA glue it while inside during cold weather.
 

More4dan

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Mar 17, 2016
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Katy, TX
Find modeling clay that doesn't harden nor dry out if left open. Playdo drys out if left out. I've been using the same pack of clay for over a year.





Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app



I have been using the same playdo that has to be at least 6 years old. Put it back in container and close lid. Cheap too and can be found anywhere toys are sold. :):):)



John as a kid I was bad about leaving the top off, ruined a lot of playdo through the years.


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app
 

jttheclockman

Member
Joined
Feb 22, 2005
Messages
19,082
Location
NJ, USA.
Find modeling clay that doesn't harden nor dry out if left open. Playdo drys out if left out. I've been using the same pack of clay for over a year.





Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app



I have been using the same playdo that has to be at least 6 years old. Put it back in container and close lid. Cheap too and can be found anywhere toys are sold. :):):)



John as a kid I was bad about leaving the top off, ruined a lot of playdo through the years.


Sent from my iPad using Penturners.org mobile app


But you have grown up and still get a chance to play with Playdo. You don't think when I use it I start squeezing it and it is therapeutic.:):):)
 

mmayo

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Jan 12, 2013
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2,958
Location
Tehachapi, CA
It has been cold in my shop so I store the base wax in the warmest room. I still need to warm up the area I'll use between my fingers before plunging the pen tube into it. You may be a lot colder than my location but you are almost always 97+ degrees so it should work.

I have play do for anyone who wants it. Pay shipping and it is yours.
 
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