My method of wax transfer

[MikeDubber]

Hi Mike:

The idea of adding grahite to the Chapstick came from Chris DeCamillis about a year ago - so it's new information since you were here to study.

Then, after opening this Thread about the wax transfer method, someone mentioned that Dykem High-Spot Blue works about the same way - and it does! So try the graphite and then get a tube of Dykem

Mike

[SVD]

Sounds like it might be worth trying using a cotton swab (Q-Tip) with the Dykem.

[chickenscratcher]

Mike at the end of your great video you said thank you. NO thank you. I have read about the wax transfer for years but until I read this post it was unclear. Rest assured I will be using it a lot from now on, Simple and WOW. Thank you Mike.
chickenscratcher

[MikeDubber]

Originally Posted by SVD

Sounds like it might be worth trying using a cotton swab (Q-Tip) with the Dykem.

Yep, a cottom swab would be much better than smearing it around with your finger!

Mike

[Big-Un]

How fast does the Dykem dry? I'm unfamiliar with it and don't want it permantly imbedded in the engraving...dumb thought; if it did, no one would use it! Never mind.

[Dave London]

the dreaded blue pinky, I use a q tip to avoid this disease

[Mike Fennell]

Thanks, Mike.

I seem to recall that Brownell's carries a blue compound that is used by stockmakers to show the high spots when bedding an action into the wood. I think I have some in a drawer here. I will try it.

Mike Fennell

[Jroettger]

Thanks for posting this technique. I'm working on a set of 60 flatware pieces and this is working so slick and fast compared to soot transfers previously used. If I make a mistake laying it down a I can just rub it off and relay the same piece of tape for a second transfer.

[MikeDubber]

Yep, thats the one of the most useful land forgiving things about this kind of wax transfer - it's so quick and easy (if you make a mistake or acidentally rub it ) to simply pick up another transfer and move forward quickly!

[BES]

Thanks, Mike, the Great Video!

Mike, Graphite Powder + Bees Wax + Lips Balm!
In what Proportions to Mix these Components?
Whether it is possible to describe stage-by-stage process of manufacturing Transfer Wax?

Yours faithfully to You
Eric S. Brezhitsky

[MikeDubber]

Originally Posted by BES

Thanks, Mike, the Great Video!

Mike, Graphite Powder + Bees Wax + Lips Balm!
In what Proportions to Mix these Components?
Whether it is possible to describe stage-by-stage process of manufacturing Transfer Wax?

Yours faithfully to You
Eric S. Brezhitsky

Generally, my mixture for transfer wax is 2 sticks/tubes of Chapstick mixed with one tablespoon of graphite. I use a torch or heat gun to melt the Chapstick into a metal container then mix in the graphite.

Mike

[BES]

Thanks, Mike!

Yours faithfully to You
Eric S. Brezhitsky

[mckeenh]

Mike, thank you very much for your tutorial, I cannot believe how many times I have used this method recently. I had tried it before and forgot about it. Your video came at the right time for me. Thank you very much.

As for my mixture that works it is 50% beeswax and 50% tallow ( rendered sheep fat ) and a dose of powdered graphite. The sheep fat is avaialable at the meat market and must be rendered. I think anything that gives the wax color is okay to use. I might even try some crayon.

Thanks again.
Neil
Stevensville, MT

Merry Christmas to all.

[JasonH]

Thanks Mike, that video is awsome I really wish I had caught it about three weeks ago! as for Dykems transfer dye, the best thing Ive seen to remove it is either varasol or brake parts cleaner. I really think I would opt for some blue nitrile goves, they are chemical resistant and much harder to rip or puncture than a laytex glove. Also be careful with inleting black, if you get it on your pinkie you and half of your house will be black!!! and it dosent wash off of your skin! thanks again I will definitely use this info!

[mandomaniac]

Took me a minute or two to ponder the negative transfer. Wondered how the dye would not creep into the cuts and cause some distortion. Had a thought.....might be worth sharing (?). If you lightly coat a small glue roller with the dyekem or colored wax, then gently rolll over the engraving, it might be better than finger or Q-Tip. Might give it a try...

[Crazy Horse]

Blur Hit or Prussian Blue has a very penetrating oil base. It's very difficult to get off your hands, and will stay on them for days. Doing the dishes helps a lot to remove it. Dish washing soap is designed to cut oil and wax. (Never use it to wash your car as it will remove any wax.)

There's an old machinist's trick that used to be played on apprentices. You smear Prussian blue on the earpiece of the shop phone and then tell the apprnetice this call is for him. He wears a blue ear for the rest of the day, and sometimes for a couple of days.

[Michael Linkous]

[2) I first tried the Dykem three days ago...and my pinky is still has a faint coat of Cobalt Blue!!

Mike, I am a registerred nurse and have to have clean hands. I use those green scrub pads to get chinese white off my fingers. It may help with the Dykem.
I've been using your wax transfer method all day. I've been transferring engraving plates that Jerry Harper did for me and trying to emulate the cuts. Man, what an impeovement in my engraving. Now I just need to be able to draw as well as Jerry.
Thanks for taking the time to help all of us!

[MikeDubber]

I completely understand. I was a bench jeweler for many years and at least three times a day I was called out front to answer questions about engraving or otherwise provide information for customers in the store. I was always self-conscious about transfer inks on my hands and fingers. The Chapstick transfer method solved that problem - nothin' but clear wax

[paul horton]

i,m new here and appreciate all this advise, where do i get
graphite thanks paul

[SEngraver]

Hi Paul,

Welcome to the Engraving Forum,try any well stocked hardware shop they will have fine grade graphite powder.

SE

[KeithPedersen]

Try a locksmith shop or old time hardware store.