The video “I didn’t know this about bees wax and woodworking” is by Stumpy Nubs (James Hamilton). In this video, James shares a wealth of information about the many practical applications of beeswax, particularly in woodworking. He emphasizes the importance of having at least one chunk of beeswax in every workshop, highlighting its versatility and effectiveness.
Why Choose Beeswax?
Stumpy begins by expressing his preference for beeswax over paraffin, noting that paraffin can be a bit squeaky in certain applications, like lubricating drawer runners. He assures viewers that beeswax isn’t just for drawers; it has a multitude of uses in the workshop.
19 Practical Uses for Beeswax
- Driving Nails and Screws: Beeswax can make nails easier to drive without bending and screws easier to drive without stripping.
- Loosening Rusted Nuts: Melt beeswax on a rusted nut to help break it free.
- Smoother Operation: Rub beeswax on the bottom of a hand plane or on table saw runners for smoother operation.
- Reducing Binding: Apply it to the side of a handsaw to reduce binding in the cut and on the teeth to keep them sharp longer.
- Wood Finish: Combine equal parts beeswax, turpentine, and linseed oil for a great wood finish. Without linseed oil, it becomes a paste wax to protect metal tools.
- Wood Cutting Boards: Add a little wax to mineral oil, microwave it, and apply it to wooden cutting boards for maintenance.
- Waterproofing: Rub beeswax all over cloth, canvas, or leather, then heat it with a hair dryer for instant waterproofing.
- Air Purification: Interestingly, beeswax is also noted as a natural air purifier, though Stumpy admits he’s not entirely sure how that works.
- Preventing Fraying: Take a piece of string, run it over a block of wax, and wrap it around a rope to keep it from fraying.
- Threading: Wax your threads before sewing leather or flossing your teeth.
- Preventing Oxidation: Rub softened beeswax on copper or bronze hardware to prevent oxidation.
- Wound Care: Applying beeswax on a cut or scrape can help reduce pain and inflammation, especially when combined with a couple of Tylenol.
- Blacksmithing and Basketry: Beeswax is frequently used in blacksmithing and basketry.
- Cleaning Adhesive Residue: It can help clean the adhesive buildup off the iron used for applying edge banding.
- Hair Removal: Mixed with palm oil, beeswax can serve as a natural hair remover.
- Electrical Work: Wax your wires before pulling a new circuit through a wall.
- Fire Starters: Melted over dryer lint in an old egg carton, beeswax makes effective fire starters for a wood stove.
- Plucking Feathers: Beeswax makes it easier to pluck feathers from chickens.
Stumpy emphasizes that a little beeswax goes a long way. A chunk the size he shows can last for years, making it a cost-effective addition to any workshop.
Tool Spotlight: Milescraft Joint Master
In addition to discussing beeswax, Stumpy also highlights a tool that he has been a fan of for years: the Milescraft Joint Master Doweling Jig. He praises this jig for its quality and the number of useful features it offers at an affordable price.
Features of the Milescraft Joint Master:
- All-Metal Body: The jig features an all-metal body that reduces flex, ensuring fewer misaligned holes.
- Multiple Dowel Sizes: It comes with three hardened steel drill blocks for different dowel sizes, allowing flexibility in projects.
- Adjustable Dowel Positions: Users can adjust the positions of the dowels for centered or multiple-row joints, enhancing the strength of the joints.
- Versatile Use: It works on workpieces from as thin as 1/4 inch to as thick as 3 inches, making it suitable for various projects.
- Quick Centering: Spacers that match common wood thicknesses help quickly and accurately center the holes.
- Built-In Stops: These features facilitate faster alignment near the ends and edges of workpieces.
Stumpy concludes by emphasizing the jig’s ability to perform a double row joint accurately, which he finds impressive for a jig in this price range. He believes every shop should have some form of doweling jig, as it makes dowel joinery strong, reliable, and efficient.