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Mitsuro wax

#1

I’m an avid Orchid reader and have not previously sent a request for
help.

I’m trying to make mitsuro wax. I made the first batch this week
Following the directions that i gleaned from a number of different
writers on Orchid.

I melted the bees wax at 300F, using a temperature controlled
Skillet, and then slowly added powdered pine resin, stirring to help
it Dissolve. I found the the resin would get pasty and fall to the
bottom of The pan in which I was melting it. The resin formed "globs"
on the bottom Of the pan. To assist in dissolving the resin, I
gradually increased the Temperature of the skillet to about 450F.
More of the resin seemed to Dissolve. At this point I added
microcrystalline wax to the mixture and Thoroughly mixed it in.

I cast the molten wax through cheese cloth into a silverstone cookie
Pan and let it cool. The cheese cloth captured a significant amount
of Undissolved pine resin. The wax sheet looked fine. The sheet was
easily Removed from the silverstone cookie an by just twisting the
pan slightly.

the formulation that I used was:

bees wax 400 grams
pine resin 100 grams
microcrystalline wax 50 grams

I’ve tried to “work” the wax by stretching it to develop the
Texture, but it stretches very little before breaking.

can anyone who has made mitsuro wax offer any advice on how to get a
Better result??

you assistance is appreciated.

#2

Sorry I have taken so long to reply to your post about Mitsuro wax,
but i was busy with a show and was just overwhelmed with work.

I have made mitsuro following a different formula than the one you
mention. I used beeswax, paraffin and rosin. I did not use any of
the microcrystalline wax which you used. I got the rosin in a little
cake forms from a shop which sells string instruments. It is used
on violin, bows, and as I understand it, is made from refined pine
resin. I melted equal amounts of beeswax and rosin together over low
heat, stirring to get them completely combined. Then I added the
paraffin-- in small amounts to start with. When it was completely
melted and combined with the mix, I removed a bit -let it cool and
tested it by rubbing between my fingers. If it stuck to my fingers I
just added some more of the paraffin until it reached a stage where
it was real stretchy and had little lines in it like pulled taffy. I
then poured it through cheese cloth onto some aluminum foil forming a
sheet. When it cooled I broke it into smaller pieces.

Hope this helps.

Alma.

#3

I saw the thread on mitsuro wax and could not help but wonder what
it is used for. Maybe I missed something along the way.

Thanks, Karen

#4

Hi Karen.

Mitsuro wax is used in lost wax casting. It is easily formed into
desired shapes, and is marvelous to work with as it handles so well.
It is as easy to work with as a soft clay, and lends itself to many
shapes and forms.