Javalina Lube

[918v]

Hi,

I've been reading all of the awesome info contained in this site and I want to start making my own lube, just for the hell of it. I figure I'll start with a Javalina replica (cuz that's what I know) so here's the question:

So far I learned that

Alox 2138F is no longer made

and

Alox 350 is available, but thinner because it contains no wax

and

Alox 350 + 3-7% microcrystaline wax = Alox 2138F

What would be the benefit of making a 50/50 mix of beeswax with 2138F versus straight 350 other than the increased viscosity? Could I not just use more beeswax with the 350 to make the mix more solid? Or maybe add something else to the mix? Is microcrystaline wax really necessary? I thought beeswax had similar properties.

Thank You in advance. I'm no good at chemistry. Got a D- in college.

-918v

[captaint]

918 - I don't think I would worry about it a little bit. Heck, if you want to, add a little carnauba to the mix. enjoy Mike

[Hip's Ax]

Alox 350 has been used for some time now with great results. I do not believe the mix winds up being exactly 50/50 though.

I went to the trouble of buying a slab of micro wax and mixed it at 7% and the result was a much more hard Alox than before. I have not tried making lube with it yet but 350 seems like axle grease and after I put the micro wax in it turned into what appears to be something far more hard.

[918v]

Alox 350 has been used for some time now with great results. I do not believe the mix winds up being exactly 50/50 though.

Right. But if it works as well is there a reason to try for the exact 50/50? Maybe I'm fussing over nothing?

[wiljen]

Hip's Ax, if I read your comment right, I think I know why it was overly hard. If you used 7% of the total as Microwax, you used twice as much as the original formula. 2138F is 7% microwax and Alox makes up 50% of the total mix so the #s should actually be 50% beeswax, 46.5% Alox 350 and 3.5% Microwax.

Other than changing consistency I have seen no advantage in using the wax. It makes the lube a little harder and a little less tacky.