I recently watched 1 & 2. Like Gradous I have always used Johnson Wax as a release agent. In the second video Robert seems to build toward some tip on eliminating streaks in the wax, but then did not follow through or got edited out or something. I was wondering has anyone ever used heat from a hair dryer to smooth the wax before dropping the barreled action into the bedding compound?

I have used Johnson's floor wax since I started bedding in 1967. If you are getting streaks you are putting it on too thick. It just takes a thin coating.

I sometimes thin it with MS and paint it on.

I use neutral color Kiwi shoe polish, probably similar to your paste wax. After liberally application to every possible surface, I buff every bit of it off with a clean paper rag (KimWipes). Never had an action stick and perfect fit every time. I use MarineTex after giving up on the Devcon due to shelf life issues.

Thinning wax seems to be a waste of time. Just apply the wax with a cloth; don't put big chunks of it on the metal. If you get streaks you have too much on the cloth. I have used the same cloth for decades; well soaked by now.

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Thinning wax seems to be a waste of time. Just apply the wax with a cloth; don't put big chunks of it on the metal. If you get streaks you have too much on the cloth. I have used the same cloth for decades; well soaked by now.

And I agree

.Why not just buff the wax...streaks should be eliminated.. Least that works on cars.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Kobe:

quote:

Originally posted by dpcd:
Thinning wax seems to be a waste of time. Just apply the wax with a cloth; don't put big chunks of it on the metal. If you get streaks you have too much on the cloth. I have used the same cloth for decades; well soaked by now.

And I agree

Yeah, it's just a ton of work. Pure drudgery.

Johnson's Paste is the best, but I have used toilet bowl wax ring wax and auto wax. I find the release agent with Acraglas to be problematic and have quit with it. My fellow 'smith used it last week and had to hammer the action out of the stock. We have a fiberglass yacht manufacturer nearby and they use wax exclusively as a mold release agent. 2 coats of Johnson's Paste Wax buffed between coats and after last coat.

I agree with Bobster. Two coats of Johnston paste wax buffed after each coat. Leaves a nice shiny finish. I apply the wax with an acid brush. It gets down in the hard to get at spots. Never sticks.

I've got a can of Johnson's floor wax I bought it the 70s or 80s. Use it for bedding and a wood and metal protecting on complete guns.

Dave

I use Devcon mould release.

The best of all was a Ciba Geighy mould release but it was discontinued years ago and to with other things that were removed because of the Ozone layer.

I must be terribly old fashioned. I find Brownells spray on acraglas release agent to work just fine. It's easy to apply and works as one can expect.