Val Cox Marver Issues

[Peach Blossom Beads]

Ok. How do you get the wax off the marver? I guess the wax is getting old and it's causing crazing on the surface of my beads. So, how the heck do I get it off? You can't put brass in the flame.

Also, how are you supposed to get the wax on there? What's the best way? I dripped it on but it's uneven. Is there a better way?

Thanks!!! And HELP!

[squid]

you should be able to pour hot water on it to get the old wax off. As for applying new, what kind of wax are you using? I believe the recommendation is for beeswax, isn't it?

here is the tutorial for the marver and the method for applying the wax is at the bottom:

http://www.zooziis.com/pdf/vcm.pdf

[Peach Blossom Beads]

I'm using beewax, yes.

Thanks for the help. I didn't thiik of water! duh!
I had no idea the tut was there either.

Thanks again.

[Chuckie]

When I had the Val Marver in the press game, I unscrewed the top and dunked it in some boiling water for just a minute, then used some tongs to lay it in the sink so I could scrub it with a green scrubbie (don't use steel wool or it will scratch it up). Worked like a charm!

[MaryBeth]

When I had the Val Marver in the press game, I unscrewed the top and dunked it in some boiling water for just a minute, then used some tongs to lay it in the sink so I could scrub it with a green scrubbie (don't use steel wool or it will scratch it up). Worked like a charm!

That's pretty much how I cleaned the wax from mine. Hot water does it!

[valerie_folly]

Nice to know, mine needs a cleaning! Thanks ladies!

[Cracked Baubble]

could it be put in the oven?
To clean my votive holders I cut a piece of paper bag (it absorbs the wax) to fit a cookie sheet and place my votives upside down on it, put it in a 200 oven (you could possibly go hotter but watch the paper or use foil) the wax all melts off

[PolychromeBeads]

Why can't you put it in the flame? That's how I cleaned the old wax off of mine. It still seems to be fine, no ill effects.


Aimee
29276

[VivianLampwork]

That's what I do too. I also apply the wax by putting the brass in the flame & then run the beeswax over it like putting on chapstick.


Why can't you put it in the flame? That's how I cleaned the old wax off of mine. It still seems to be fine, no ill effects.


Aimee
29276

[Chuckie]

If that's how you're applying the wax, you're getting way too much wax on the marver. I suggest you email Val, the manufacturer and find out how she recommends the tool be waxed. One or two drops of wax is all that's supposed to go on the marver.

[Val Cox]

Char, thanks for the email letting me know about the thread.

Yes, really a drop or two of beeswax, spread across the surface of the marver is all it takes to be effective. The first time you marver a bead across the surface, it will spread the wax out and your tool will be primed and good to go.

Sometimes if you have too much wax, it can build up and interfere with the smoothness of the marvering. Especially after a couple months, and dust can collect.

I find the beeswax works best when it's very thin, almost so that you barely see it's there. The beeswax does not affect the glass, except to make the marvering even smoother. The little wax you add to the marver can be good for months without needing to reapply.

Be sure you use a pure beeswax and not regular candle wax. If you lose the little block that came with your marver, find a pure beeswax candle...that will do the trick just as well.

The techniques mentioned here for removing the wax are very clever. :) I always used the quick method, like Aimee, of putting the marver face into the flame, and whipping the surface clean with a rag. I think the hot water method is much better and safer!

Val

[Chuckie]

Thanks Val! I remembered reading that only a drop or two of wax was all that was needed, but I didn't know how you were supposed to spread it onto the tool.

[Lizabeads]

I went by the tut to put the wax on.. also use some scrap glass heat it then rub the surface of the tool to spread it around good...

But to clean it I also put it in the flame then wipe real quick... you gotta be good and fast now !!

[Shrimp]

The little block of wax that comes with the marver is called synthetic beeswax? Are there any other brass shaping tools that would benefit from a dab of beeswax?