Anyone tried block microcrystalline wax on a buff?

[LatakiaLover]

Used like Carnauba, in other words.

It's generally available, not expensive, and by all accounts is The Shit for wooden objects in general.

Never heard of a pipe guy messing with it, though...


https://www.amazon.com/Blended-Waxes-In ... pons&psc=1

[dogcatcher]

The microcrystalline wax helps to prevent fingerprints. I use a mixed version in decorative wood turnings.

Basically it is a combo of highly refined paraffin wax, carnauba wax and beeswax that was melted and mixed together. The highly refined paraffin wax is the microchrystallie part.

[LatakiaLover]

The more I think about it the more curious I am, and the more I think it would work well on pipes.

I bleeve I'm gonna get some a give it a test drive.

I'll report back.

[caskwith]

Nope, didn't know it was available. Will be interested to hear what happens.

[dogcatcher]

I did a lot of research and had access to 2 college chemistry professors that were also woodturners.

I mixed carnauba wax, bees wax and the best microchrystaline wax the local university could afford. We tried various ratios starting with 1:1:1 and a few others. Out of the good paraffin I tried the 1:1:1 ratio but used food grade paraffin, the stuff you buy in the grocery store. Then made 2 other ratios. At our local woodturning group we asked opinions. The 1:1:1 with carnauba, beeswax and the canning wax was chosen as the best liked.

I bought 2 pounds of each, heated it in a double boiler and used cupcake tins as molds. It is what I have used for over 15 years. But as I have said before, I am not a pipemaker, I am a woodturner. YMMV

[LatakiaLover]

Nope, didn't know it was available. Will be interested to hear what happens.

All righty, then.

I got two one pound blocks for $19.

Used a new, stiff (spiral stitched) 8" wheel, spun it up pretty high (estimate 3000 rpm), heavily loaded it with the stuff, and went to town on a finished stummel that had been alcohol washed for this test.

Hard pressure, enough to produce a detectable amout of frictional heat.

When thoroughly covered and re-covered several times, I waved the stummel in a hot air stream (paint stripper gun) until it was wet-shiny and then immediately hit it with a plain, raw, medium-soft flannel buff spinning at 1800 rpm.

Repeated the hot air and immediate shine a second time.

Let everything cool/set/dry (whatever this stuff does) for 20 minutes.

RESULT: It looks like Carnauba in terms of being "organic" but is distinctly glossier. Hand feel is MUCH harder and smoother than Carnauba.

I don't know why smoking would degrade it---the hot air gun brought the bowl up to tobacco smoking temp and then some---but I'll test drive the pipe later tonight to be sure and report back.

This is shaping up to be a major win.

[LatakiaLover]

Alrighty then.

The wax did not get cloudy, fingerprint-y, or anything like that from being handled at smoking temperatures.

Smoked the pipe twice, and deliberately smeared/handled the stummel more than usual.

The end "feel" of the microcrystal stuff is more like a cured finish than wax.

Me likey.

I say go for it if you're so inclined.

[UnderShade]

Getting some now! Thanks George- I hope you're well!

[caskwith]

Was this on a smooth pipe?

[LatakiaLover]

Yes, it was a dark colored smooth.

I've tried it since on a deep tan blast, as well. Same result: Hand feel is more like a dried oil finish than wax, and there's a sparkle + color depth enhancement thing happening.

[caskwith]

Do you use the same buffing method for carnuba?

I have never seen anyone using such a complex method involving a heat gun and two different buffs.

[LatakiaLover]

That's only when going from the "ground up" with a new or refinished bowl. Starting from zero.

To refresh the wax on an existing finish, I'll clean it with a really slow-spinning hard(ish) buff that's been touched with a stab of red compound, then the heavy hit of wax, the heat, and a high speed loose wheel that started out dry years ago but doubtless has residual wax on it now.

The heat gun step is essential whether smooth or blasted/carved. It removes the "seams" of wax on smooths, and removes the "scrapings" of wax in the low spots on the roughs (lets it flow into them).

[caskwith]

Interesting.

[DocAitch]

Just ordered some of this.
Going to play. I have been using powdered carnauba with good results on blasts and rusticated pipes, but am always happy to find a better way.
DocAitch

[UnderShade]

I used it this weekend and can confirm the same results that George has gotten. It's kinda sticky shit, so I was careful when applying it to the first wheel so as not to gum the wheel up or burn it. But the sheen it provides is great. Thanks George!

[LatakiaLover]

It's kinda sticky shit...

It makes me wonder if the open end of the plastic-wrapped block should be contact covered with plastic between uses (something solvent-y chemical must "leave" it for the transformation from soft to hard to occur, right?), and also makes me wonder what the shelf life of the blocks might be.

In the meantime it definitely gets the job done really well: Hand feel, hardness, color enhancement, and a touch of sparkle.

[DocAitch]

One area of concern would be whether you detect an odor or taste.Your mention of volatiles leeching out raises this question.
Mike Butera said that he could taste stuff in various commercial shellac preparations. I certainly am unable to do that but I will take his word for it.
DocAitch

[LatakiaLover]

One area of concern would be whether you detect an odor or taste.Your mention of volatiles leeching out raises this question.
Mike Butera said that he could taste stuff in various commercial shellac preparations. I certainly am unable to do that but I will take his word for it.
DocAitch

No smell at all either from the block or the pipes after application.

This past week I've been using it on my own pipes as I smoke through them (2-3 bowls per day is average for me), and all continues to be well.

[seamonster]

I, too, have now used this new method to a great result on blasts of various colors. An excellent sheen, very even and appealing. Goes on easily.
However, it's not so great on stems, leaves a bit of film that dulls the shine I've worked so hard for.....
George, what's your take on using this on stems?
Found a process where hitting the stummel with the micro-wax, as George described, then a quick once-over on the stem with a carnuba buff,
and the pipe looks outstanding! Will have these in Vegas for anyone going...
Anyone going??

Jeremy

[LatakiaLover]