Form Wax???

[Badwithabow]

Ok well i'm gonna bite the bullet and build me some new hose forms.... Found a local lumber co. that has lvl... so my ? is i hear wax em wax em... well what wax you guys usin??

[milehi101]

I use mold release wax like is used in fiberglass molds.

[eflanders]

I use car paste wax over a varnished form.

[fujimo]

i 2nd the mould release wax- affordable, and easy to get hold of.
i use 6 to 8 layers initially,( over a varnished form) then one every time you use it.- but i also use saran on my cauls too.
and will use the same as i build my first hose form

[Trux Turning]

I use floor paste wax on the form and pressure strip- never have any problems.

[BigJim]

I have never used a drop of wax ever. I shrink wrap my forms before gluing and then again after the bow is layed up. Hose down on the shrink wrapped bow and press. I would estimate my current forms have had 200 + bows glued up in each without a problem.
bigjim

[Walt Francis]

I like to Run my f finger along the side of the lams  ( to make grinding easier) right before putting the bow into the oven. I have broken the plastic wrap on a couple of occasions and a waxed form prevented the glue from adhering to it.

[Lee Robinson .]

My form is sealed with several coats of finish...and while I may not "need" to use wax since I use saran wrap over it...I do so. I use Johnson's paste wax to wax the top surface and also the sides of my form. Its real slimy and spreads evenly very easily (about like greese). I do wipe off the excess and I can see a shine on my form as if it is oiled. I wax before every use. I feel it not only prevents the bow from sticking to the form, but also maintains a high degree of protection from humidity.

[jess stuart]

I am with Big Jim never used wax on my forms.  Don't want anything like wax near my forms, I am a klutz and would no doubt get it on something that I shouldn't.

[Robertfishes]

The shrink wrap sounds like a good idea.. I have been using Turtle Wax and 0.7 mil clear plastic painters drop cloth in place of Saran wrap..like a lot of guys I bought the Binghams plans and they say to wax form and pressure strip..

[Badwithabow]

well i just ordered a 24 ft LVL beam we'll see havn't made up my mind to wax or not to wax

[Lee Robinson .]

BTW, when I glue up, I don't put my lams on my form...not until I am finished with the stack and have it wrapped in saran wrap. As mentioned by Jess...I don't want to get wax in between my lams or riser. Only on the form. I wax the form prior to glue up and wash and dry my hands very well prior to gluing up the bow.


The materials in the bow are not exposed to the wax during the glue up process. The only wax I ever put on a bow is AFTER it is completely finished and sealed...only then will I actually put wax on a bow.