adding wax as flux

bassman843 · #1 (**permalink**) March 26th, 2007

I was reading on my new pot instructions and I read something about adding wax as a flux how many of you do this and what kind of wax do you use for this can I go to the dollar store and get unscented candles for this.is it important to do.thanks for any help

LedHed · #2 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2007

I use cheap wax (unscented) and only when melting hard dirty lead. Gotta be real careful when adding the wax to the hot lead – it will flame up. You don’t have to add a lot. If you have soft clean lead I wouldn’t worry about fluxing.

cadman · #3 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2007

Yep I wax also. No it's not what you think. I use beeswax, with all my lead I pour. I got that info from TU when I joined. I have very minimal problems. Also I always use pure lead, so that helps...... Oh yeah like LedHed said it will flame up, and take your eyebrows off, so be careful..

Mr B · #4 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2007

I use parafin wax for my flux. every time I melt a new chunk of lead, dirty or clean it gets a peanut (out of shell) sized piece of wax. Just wait for the flames to go out before pouring.
Mr B

rsinyard · #5 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2007

I tried using bees wax but didn't like the way it turned out. So now I use very soft lead that has already been fluxed. By the way I have a 2lb block (I think) of bees wax that I would trade for some 2/0 spinnerbait hooks. If any one is interested.

bassman843 · #6 (**permalink**) March 27th, 2007

do you know when you need to add flux or do you just add when you pour to be safe

buckslayer · #7 (**permalink**) March 28th, 2007

Flux every time you add new lead or if the lead is not filling in the mold cavity completely. I just use parafin wax. I have a 10 lb melting pot and add a PEA sized chunk each time I add new lead to it (I usually add about 5 lbs each time I add). Let the lead get good and hot, add the wax, wait for it to stop flaming, and then stir it up really well and skim it. After talking with a rep from LEE the biggest advantage is that it will help keep your pouring spout from clogging (assuming a bottom-pouring pot).

TCCustom · #8 (**permalink**) March 28th, 2007

I pour a arky style jig to make my chatter Style baits, I use a lead that has a little tin in it. When I pour ball heads I have no problem, but when I pour the arky jigs I get a lot of unfilled cavity in the shank, sometimes only in one of the three sizes, other times two will pour ok and one want. I can't figure it out so I just pour and re-melt what doesn't work. Will adding wax help this out.
Im new here and just started pouring these jigs.
Thanks
TCCustom

cadman · #9 (**permalink**) March 28th, 2007

TTCustom....all molds don't fill the same. Tilt your mold to the left, right or up and down, find one that works, and write it down on your mold. If that doesn't work, cut a air hole where the problem is. This should solve your dilemma. Cutting the air hole would be my last resort. Also very soft lead will pour easier than hard lead. Adding wax can't hurt. By the way what kind of lead are you melting?

TCCustom · #10 (**permalink**) March 28th, 2007

I get It from a medical company it has a little Tin in it. I can pour 12 great then the nest 3 are bad. Then the next 5 are good and 6 bad, then 6 good and 2 bad. No rhyme or reason I have tired different angles and such. Can't figure it out. As soon as I think I do I pour some bad. not always in the same cavity.
TCcustom