top-cote vs wax

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 12:25 pm

Here is what I was told. I'll explain it in math terms:

Metal surface + wood surface = Paste Wax

Metal surface + Metal surface = Top Cote

Hope this helps!

BPR

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 8:30 pm

Here is what I was told. I'll explain it in math terms:

Metal surface + wood surface = Paste Wax

Metal surface + Metal surface = Top Cote

Hope this helps!

BPR

That is just the opposite that I recall Rick Davis telling me at a SS TA.

ryanbp01 · Post by **ryanbp01** » Wed Jan 02, 2008 10:31 pm

That's what I was told at the Academy session I attended with Mike Cobb. The ratiuonale was that Top Cote may leave a residue onto some woods that may adversely affect the final finish where paste wax would not.
BPR

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Mon Feb 04, 2008 12:18 am

ryanbp01 wrote:That's what I was told at the Academy session I attended with Mike Cobb. The ratiuonale was that Top Cote may leave a residue onto some woods that may adversely affect the final finish where paste wax would not.
BPR

I was looking at an old thread that someone posted to today. It reaffirms my memory that at a TA that I went to, put on by Rick Davis, he suggested metal to metal contact should have paste wax and metal to wood contact should use TopCote, although, in post 18 of this thread it was discussed that TopCote IS wax. Check post 8 of this thread: https://forum.shopsmith.com/viewtopic.php?t=156
In more than one thread on this forum has been discussed the trouble that wax causes to finishes.

Also, see post 12 of this thread. It seems as if Mike Cobb changed his mind.

chrispitude · Post by **chrispitude** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 9:34 pm

Hi all,

A local carpenter suggested Butcher's Paste Wax. Butcher's is not a type but a company name:

http://www.bwccompany.com/bowlingalley.html

Although it's called "bowling alley" wax, it seems to be more general purpose than that. Would this be just as good as Johnson's? The local hardware store carries Butcher's.

- Chris

a1gutterman · Post by **a1gutterman** » Sat Feb 23, 2008 10:30 pm

Welcome to the forum chrispitude! I can not be certain, but after looking at the site that your link sent me to, I would guess that, if they still use their original recipe from 1880, like Johnson's still uses their original one, that Butchers Wax is a-ok.

It seems that the newer formulas are not the same: Some kind of restriction or requirement that changed the properties of the wax to not be as desirable as the "original" formula's were.

Len · Post by **Len** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:39 am

Crhispitude looks like he's got a winner, but for $11.99?
As long as it is clear paste and not made with silicone, it's OK.
BTW, when are they delivering that 520 upgrade? I've saved my pennies and am seriously considering it.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 8:54 am

dusty wrote:Interesting comments. But I am not a believer. I have been using wax, exclusively, for too long without having any ill effects. I believe the problem (if there is a problem) is too much of a good thing.

If wax is in fact migrating to the wood, I contend that the wax was not properly applied and buffed. It must be put on sparingly, allowed to set and then buffed out. If that is done, I believe there will be no migration.

Occasionally, I put on wax and later find that I have wax deposits in the groves of my table top. If this happens and wood is then cut problems may well occur. Using top-cote eliminates the problem but wax was not the problem as is being stated here. Improper application is the problem.

I am a hard sell and will continue to wax.

Use Butcher's Wax if you want but buff it out. Enough said!

jmoore65 · Post by **jmoore65** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 9:47 am

a1gutterman wrote:Welcome to the forum chrispitude! I can not be certain, but after looking at the site that your link sent me to, I would guess that, if they still use their original recipe from 1880, like Johnson's still uses their original one, that Butchers Wax is a-ok. It seems that the newer formulas are not the same: Some kind of restriction or requirement that changed the properties of the wax to not be as desirable as the "original" formula's were.

I remember Nick saying in one of the Sawdust sessions that the newer formulas of paste wax have to include a non-skid agent. Johnson's Paste Wax (original formula) was grandfathered in and didn't have to change their formula.

I've just used Butcher's (found it before Johnson's) and it worked fine.

Jim

chrispitude · Post by **chrispitude** » Sun Feb 24, 2008 10:49 am

Len wrote:Crhispitude looks like he's got a winner, but for $11.99?
As long as it is clear paste and not made with silicone, it's OK.
BTW, when are they delivering that 520 upgrade? I've saved my pennies and am seriously considering it.

Hi Len,

I think the local hardware store has it for something like $7-8 for a 1lb can. I'll know for sure when I go down to buy it.

I placed the 520 order Wednesday, so hopefully it will arrive some time this week! I will be sure to share my experiences and take some pictures.

- Chris