Alexander
4 posts
Apr 05, 2010
6:20 PM
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Hello everybody,
I plan to seal a MB the first time. I want to go with the beeswax method, cause it is fast. I have been reading several instructions on the net. But they all give different explanations for how long I should put the comb into the wax. On http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-clean-a-harmonica/step3/The-Comb/, for example, it says at point three, that you shouldn't soak it longer than fife seconds: otherwise the comb would swell. What do you guys think? How long to soak the wood comb in the hot beeswax? I don't want to destroy my harp (of course).
Do you have any other hints on that topic?
Thanks and have a good day,
Alexander
Last Edited by on Apr 05, 2010 8:18 PM
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Tryharp
318 posts
Apr 05, 2010
6:58 PM
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Hi Alexander,
I've done it about a dozen times. Some I put in for minutes, some about ten seconds, some I dipped a few times, some only once, some I warmed the comb up a bit before I dunked it. They all seemed to work, so I wouldnt sweat it too much.
I would say in my experience that the comb wont swell when dunked in the wax for any reasonable amount of time.
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eharp
609 posts
Apr 05, 2010
7:18 PM
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i have heard that beeswax will gunk up the reeds if the finished product gets slightly warm, like left in a car during the summer.
anybody wanna weigh in on that?
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Stickman
291 posts
Apr 05, 2010
8:44 PM
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I use this method but do not consider myself an expert. I don't think time matters. I dip about 3 times apox 30 seconds each until the bubbling reduces. I don't have a problem with leaving them in a hot car but small flakes of wax can gum up the reeds when you first do it. I give the combs a thorough scraping to remove all excess wax before I reassemble and still I usually have to take it apart to clear a stray flake of wax.
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The Art Teacher Formally Known As scstrickland
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nacoran
1584 posts
Apr 05, 2010
8:53 PM
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I know it goes without saying, but make sure you only dunk the comb.
Just sayin.
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Nate
Facebook
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Bluzdude46
579 posts
Apr 06, 2010
5:06 AM
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I cut the melted beeswax with mineral oil and completely brush the comb getting it even and thin. This cuts down on the gunk up factor. A lot of Beeswax in a harp can gum up reeds as I found out when I followed the brilliant advise on beeswaxing the rivets BAD IDEA
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The Original Downtown Philadelphia Fatman... Accept No substitutes!
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captainbliss
31 posts
Apr 06, 2010
6:33 AM
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@eharp
/i have heard that beeswax will gunk up the reeds if the finished product gets slightly warm, like left in a car during the summer.
anybody wanna weigh in on that?/
I have no expertise at all, but I own a couple of West Weston Custom Marine Bands, the combs of which (I think, someone correct me if I'm wrong) are sealed with beeswax.
I can report that they play fine (actually, they play better!) after being left in hot sunshine for hours.
xxx
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kingrobot
5 posts
Apr 06, 2010
1:11 PM
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last week I got excited about a more acoustic sound and decided to open up an old marine band (easier than I thought) and make some attempt at sealing the comb.
I sanded the comb and nuked it in the microwave for about 45-60 seconds.
When it came out, it was hot and I slathered a cheap stick of beeswax lip balm, then let it soak in and cool. I repeated this a couple times, trying to get into the teeth of the comb. It looked like it soaked in pretty well.
I can't tell how well it sealed the comb. I did notice it didn't swell when i played it afterwards. It seemed already swollen to the right size.
There might be more to report if i hadn't torn up the comb a few days later, trying to jam screws in the nail holes without drilling them out first.
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Alexander
5 posts
Apr 06, 2010
1:12 PM
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kay; nicely scraping of the wax is important.
Thanks for the help.
Last Edited by on Apr 06, 2010 5:03 PM
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jodanchudan
59 posts
Apr 06, 2010
4:48 PM
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I haven't tried this yet. How hot should the beeswax be? I'm guessing if it's not hot enough the comb will come out looking like a candle - pretty hard to get the surfaces flat again if it does. Any advice?
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Stickman
292 posts
Apr 06, 2010
6:39 PM
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BTW beeswax has a flash point and can be a serious fire hazard. Check into that thoroughly before risking cremation of your house, might be a good idea to get a candy or candle thermometer.
DON'T COOK ON HIGH (High is for boiling water)
I use a cheap aluminum pan that you get at the grocery store, Like you cook a turkey in but smaller, I put it on a burner set for med and WATCH IT. When it is mostly liquid I reduce it to just above low. Common sense will keep you out of trouble. If it does catch on fire (I told you not to set the stove on high) Don't Panic, cover it with a lid of a pot and remove it from the heat! DO NOT TROW WATER ON IT! Cutting off its oxygen source and reducing the heat will solve the problem. I know from experience. I almost burned the art studio down in college while making a batik
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The Art Teacher Formally Known As scstrickland
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walterharp
290 posts
Apr 06, 2010
7:12 PM
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i got made fun of elsewhere when i mentioned this. after soaking in the beeswax, i scrape off as much as possible and then lightly "kiss" the wood comb with a propane blow torch. just enough to get it hot but not enough to catch the comb on fire. it kind of tempers the wood and gets rid of all the stray wax that might clog the reeds. you gotta be careful with this and not do it near other flammable stuff.
@harpwrench, what do you seal with now?
Last Edited by on Apr 06, 2010 7:13 PM
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