Uses for beeswax?

[topper]

Sure there are beeswax candles, but this versatile substance has so many other uses. 

What are some of your favorite ways to use beeswax?

I'll start off with a beeswax leather dressing-waterproofing.

This "recipe" was found in the article Beeswax Part One: by Dr. Robert Berthold, Jr., found on page 300, in the June 1981 Gleanings in Bee Culture. 

1 part beeswax
1 part tallow (rendered beef suet)
1 part neat's foot oil

melt together
mix well
pour into a suitable storage container(s)

For best results, apply the dressing, then set the item in a warm, (not hot) place, say, overnight -- or longer.

[histopicker]

Soap.

[topper]

Histopicker,
How do you use it to make soap?

[Deleted]

Can't candles be made as well?

[topper]

CJ, you are right, I should not have dismissed making candles. There are so many different ways to make beeswax candles. And, unlike candles made from petroleum products, they do not release toxic fumes into the air.

Histopicker, I'm wracking my brain, (not hard to do) but for the life of me, I can't figure how you use beeswax to make soap???

[histopicker]

Apr 4, 2015 18:03:02 GMT -5 topper said:

Histopicker,
How do you use it to make soap?

I don't make it but here is a recipe.
www.soapmakingfun.com/cold-process-soap-making/beeswax-soap.shtml

I should have read the op better. I use it for dressing new top bars to guide the bees where to build comb.

[topper]

Histo, thanks for the link. I've never tried making bar soap either, just laundry soap & dish soap.

Down in the States I kept bees for quite a few years, but this top bar hive is completely new to me. Sounds interesting & I understand that the hives dimensions follow the Golden Mean?

Dressing a top bar with wax rather than having to purchase, build, & wire frames & install pricey foundation...

When & if I get back to the States (hopefully this year) would be planning to get back into beekeeping & this may be an option?

Any other uses for beeswax anyone?

Wood polish ~ grate beeswax with cheese grater, then mix in turpentine till the consistency is to your liking. Don't have furniture that needs polishing, but do use it on gunstocks.