Is there any reason basic candle wax cannot be used as a release agent on a mandrel to get a completed grip off of it?
Thanks

Mark Warnke

Black Swamp Custom Rods

Not really, but there are different types of waxes. I prefer regular paraffin which you can find at any grocery store. Your particular candles may suffice but if they're beeswax (not likely these days) you may find the grip a little harder to release.

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No reason I know of. I used it for a couple of years until I switched to gluing cork with tightbond III.

Chris

I have used it once so far. will be doing #2 & #3 today. The first one worked quite well....it stayed gripped to the mandrel while turning, then removed relatively easily with a little bit of persuasion. I am using titebond 3 . I was worried the wax might allow it to break free from the mandrel easily.

Mark Warnke

Black Swamp Custom Rods

I used an old church beeswax candle, Just because I had it, I use tightbond III. Jaa

I don't like to use any release on the grip because when you remove the grip from the mandrel, there is still release material on the inside of the grip that may inhibit the gluing of the grip to the blank.

I ream all of my grips before I turn them, because it is just easier for me. Then, I just add tape as needed on the mandrel to size the mandrel for a press fit onto the mandrel for turning.


Be safe

I use the plumber's candles found in hardware stores, they're inexpensive.

I build on threaded rod And no release needed They come off very easy

Bill - willierods.com

I use threaded rod as well, put some masking tape on end and chuck into cordless drill,comes right off. Then chuck mandrel into drill and put cork on, works great.

I use threaded rod as well, put some masking tape on end and chuck into cordless drill,comes right off. Then chuck mandrel into drill and put cork on, works great.

I use a threaded rod for gluing up, but use plumber's Teflon tape to prevent sticking. I then move the grip to a turning mandrel for shaping.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

I use old used birthday candles on my cork mandrels - no problem!

Rog