Bee's Wax

When I built my boat, I dipped each screw in wax before inserting into the wood... the wax seals it tight and "Bee's" wax won't discolor the wood. Does anyone else use this technique or was this just unnecessary "overkill"?? (Be kind please)

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Permalink Reply by Kenny Kent on November 13, 2008 at 8:36pm
Seems like a great idea. I built my boat for the enjoyment, so time was not a factor, so I dipped in 5200 sealer. Actually, the holes were pre-drilled and I used a small nail to insert the sealer into the hole. A bit of denatured alcohol cleans excess off pretty well.
Kenny
Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on November 14, 2008 at 7:08am
So did you have a hot pot of wax handy white you were driving screws? Sounds like good insurance for a snug/waterproof fit for the screws...
Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on November 14, 2008 at 7:41am
Yes... I melted a bar of Bee's wax on the stove and kept it liquid with a portable "hot pot" in the garage... worked great.
Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on November 16, 2008 at 7:03pm
Looked through my "construction" pictures this weekend. You can see my coffee "hot pot" with the yellow bowl of liquid Bee's wax in action. The garage smelled like "honey" for days after that!!
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Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on November 14, 2008 at 8:39am
http://www.ancientegyptmagazine.com/boats23.htm

I love it. Not only a good idea it's a 4000 year old boat building method (well, minus the screws), and it still works.

The link above talks a little about bee's wax and ancient Egyptian boat building. Here's a "dory" photo from the bottom of that link.

Permalink Reply by Jason Knight on November 17, 2008 at 4:26am
ah I see the coffee pot in use as the hot plate...that seems like an easy way to keep the wax melted...
Permalink Reply by Georgia Drifter on November 17, 2008 at 8:07am
Randy...I'm digging that FJ!!!!
Permalink Reply by Randy Dersham on November 17, 2008 at 8:07pm
Isn't it sweet. That's Greg Hatten's FJ and it looks even better in person.
Permalink Reply by Mark Friedman on November 20, 2008 at 1:27pm
Greg,

Wax is commonly used on fasteners in wooden boat construction. It is not necessary for 'waterproofness' as the wood will swell around the fastener creating a leak proof seal. It does help with screw removal at the time repairs are being done. One really easy way to do it is to buy toilet bowl sealing wax from the local hardware store for a couple of buck. It comes in a little flat box with a round tray. The wax is kind of like a soft bees wax consistency. No heating necessary. Just dab each screw in a little before inserting. I learned this from people who make wooden boats for a living.

Mark
Permalink Reply by Greg Hatten on November 20, 2008 at 2:39pm
Good tip... thanks. I might use that next time... although I kinda like the smell of that Bee's wax.
Greg

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