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Post by armando on Oct 10, 2021 13:13:57 GMT -7
I know about the different formulas for using beeswax, boiled linseed oil, turpentine, etc but in some mentions I've seen it appears they used beeswax only to waterproof things like moccasins.
I have some beeswax I used and wondered if anyone has ever just used the melted bees wax and how to best apply it, etc.
Had great success with mix of bees wax and brewer's pitch to seal my wooden canteen by the way.
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Post by Black Hand on Oct 10, 2021 17:31:16 GMT -7
If you use the beewax unmixed, the leather will become very stiff. Beeswax is what I use to make Jackware and it is hard as a piece of wood (waxed leather was used as armor). I don't recommend straight beeswax for any leather item that will need to be flexible.
My preferred mix is Deer tallow, beeswax and pitch - the beeswax is there to give a little body to the tallow, the tallow coats the leather and the pitch gives the mix a little "stick". You could use straight Deer tallow, but be aware Deer tallow is VERY slick/slippery.
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Post by paranger on Oct 10, 2021 17:49:21 GMT -7
I use a mix of bear grease and beeswax on my moccs.
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 10, 2021 18:50:31 GMT -7
I use mostly my homemade concoction of beeswax and pure mink tallow or deer tallow. Beeswax alone just won't suffice, must be mixed to the proper proportion for ease of application. I have no set method for making my waterproofing, just mix until I get a stiff grease texture and rub away! Just greased my mocs again before my weekend event as it was a rainy one, feet stayed dry the entire weekend!
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Post by brokennock on Oct 11, 2021 6:31:54 GMT -7
I'll just refer you to my reply on, that other forum.
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Post by armando on Oct 12, 2021 2:46:40 GMT -7
I use mostly my homemade concoction of beeswax and pure mink tallow or deer tallow. Beeswax alone just won't suffice, must be mixed to the proper proportion for ease of application. I have no set method for making my waterproofing, just mix until I get a stiff grease texture and rub away! Just greased my mocs again before my weekend event as it was a rainy one, feet stayed dry the entire weekend! Thank you. I think this is what I've read before about "greasing" moccasins. So your mix is apparently mostly tallow and less beeswax? Since I haven't harvested this or last season, I wonder if I could use beef or pork tallow from butcher? I never thought of trying to us tallow from other critters and might have to explore what I can harvest during trapping season. |
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Post by spence on Oct 12, 2021 9:10:31 GMT -7
I'd be interested in a followup report if you decide on a material and method and try it out. I was never satisfied with my efforts to waterproof moccasins. I found that it worked somewhat if I was just walking in grass wet from the dew at a get-together, but if I walked 'where angels fear to tread', as is my habit, I did it with wet feet.
Spence
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Post by spence on Oct 12, 2021 12:50:14 GMT -7
"where angels fear to tread"....wet feet, but it's OK.  Spence |
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Post by spence on Oct 12, 2021 16:35:35 GMT -7
I'm having computer problems, and had to post those last two from another computer. Now, when I access the thread on my main computer the photo of the idiot in the stream isn't there. When I do so on the second computer it is. The older I get the dumber I get, I have no explanation or cure for the problem if you can't see the photo, sorry.
Spence
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Post by Black Hand on Oct 12, 2021 17:56:50 GMT -7
I see the photo. The same happened to me on the Boy Scout event thread...cause unknown.
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Post by Black Hand on Oct 12, 2021 17:59:08 GMT -7
I use mostly my homemade concoction of beeswax and pure mink tallow or deer tallow. Beeswax alone just won't suffice, must be mixed to the proper proportion for ease of application. I have no set method for making my waterproofing, just mix until I get a stiff grease texture and rub away! Just greased my mocs again before my weekend event as it was a rainy one, feet stayed dry the entire weekend! Thank you. I think this is what I've read before about "greasing" moccasins. So your mix is apparently mostly tallow and less beeswax? Since I haven't harvested this or last season, I wonder if I could use beef or pork tallow from butcher? I never thought of trying to us tallow from other critters and might have to explore what I can harvest during trapping season. Use lard from the grocery store - should work just fine. Different tallows are greasy to waxy in differing degrees... I agree with Spence - the greasing merely delays the inevitable wet feet. |
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Post by brokennock on Oct 12, 2021 19:28:03 GMT -7
I'm having computer problems, and had to post those last two from another computer. Now, when I access the thread on my main computer the photo of the idiot in the stream isn't there. When I do so on the second computer it is. The older I get the dumber I get, I have no explanation or cure for the problem if you can't see the photo, sorry. Spence I see the picture of the man in the stream,,, but not the idiot,,, computers and "smart" phones are weird. |
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Post by armando on Oct 13, 2021 2:54:04 GMT -7
I'd be interested in a followup report if you decide on a material and method and try it out. I was never satisfied with my efforts to waterproof moccasins. I found that it worked somewhat if I was just walking in grass wet from the dew at a get-together, but if I walked 'where angels fear to tread', as is my habit, I did it with wet feet. Spence I will Spence! I think my intent was to just keep them dry from what you just described; wet grass, the occasional shallow puddle or muddy hole, etc. My hope is too have them greased and prepped for a short woods walk soon or for the Battle of Camden reenactment in a couple of weeks. |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 13, 2021 4:19:41 GMT -7
Good point in clarity concerning waterproofing. Never will you completely waterproof mocs. Water resistant to an extent but absolutely walking through a puddle or stream your feet will be wet. A fact of wearing moccasins one must be accustomed with. Good time in the evening to allow the feet to dry by the fire after a long day afoot. Many times I just assume folks understand varying things, but waterproofing and water resistance are obviously different and with mocs it's more of a water resistant situation.
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Post by brokennock on Oct 13, 2021 6:46:26 GMT -7
I'd be interested in a followup report if you decide on a material and method and try it out. I was never satisfied with my efforts to waterproof moccasins. I found that it worked somewhat if I was just walking in grass wet from the dew at a get-together, but if I walked 'where angels fear to tread', as is my habit, I did it with wet feet. Spence I will Spence! I think my intent was to just keep them dry from what you just described; wet grass, the occasional shallow puddle or muddy hole, etc. My hope is too have them greased and prepped for a short woods walk soon or for the Battle of Camden reenactment in a couple of weeks. Wool inside them, and have a spare pair, and you will be fine. Just some pure mink oil or neatsfoot oil is is all you need. But, if you do this, I would avoid wearing them in the house or risk the wrath of SWMBO, you will leave oily tracks everywhere. Don't ask how I know. I slightly thicken the neatsfoot oil with beeswax just so it isn't like wearing wet moccasins all the time, and it seems to stay in place and be easier to apply evenly, but, my moccasins are made of split leather. |
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