Smokeless fluxing with wax

[Jim]

I like to flux my alloy with a bit of bee's wax every fifteen minutes or so. It probably doesn't need it, but I do it anyway. The wax generates a lot of smoke until I can get a match lit and the smoke lit.

Today, I tried something that makes for a smokeless wax flux. I dropped an unlit match in the alloy. It immediately ignited. I dropped the wax in right on top of it and the wax immediately lit. I stirred the alloy until the flames went out, skimmed off the dross and I was back in business. Quick, easy and no smoked up boolit shop.

[jcobb651]

Are these strike anywhere matches or the kind that come in a book? Does it matter?

[Jim]

What I had handy was the small box matches. I don't think it would matter though what kind you use. As long as the match is still burning when you drop in the wax, you're good.

[shredder]

Nice work. I can't believe I never thought of that!

[shadowcaster]

Smokeless fluxing with wax

I like to flux my alloy with a bit of bee's wax every fifteen minutes or so. It probably doesn't need it, but I do it anyway. The wax generates a lot of smoke until I can get a match lit and the smoke lit.

I am sure probably already know, but you are using the wax as a reducer. Wax is NOT a flux.

Shad

[williamwaco]

I use paraffin for that it is MUCH cheaper.

AND if your pot is hot enough, it will self ignite.

[btroj]

No smoke? How can Janet tell that you are casting if she can't smell it?

That smokey smell is part of the experience. Not having it is like shooting without getting dirty.

[Jim]

Brad, I don't need you to make a fool outa' me. I can do that very well by myself, thank you very much.

:bigsmyl2:

[Duckiller]

If you run out of matches use a small sliver of wood about the size of a match. It should start burning if placed on molten lead. I flinch every time the wax starts to burn so I went to sawdust and a wooden stir stick.

[onomrbil]

That's an old one. Been doing that for 50+ years. My dad showed me that when I was a kid casting bullets for his '06. . . . Surprised you have never come across that in the literature.