Paraffin or Beeswax? Which one for drawer slide?

[KenOfCary]

I have some drawers made of Baltic Birch with a 1/2" wide by 1/4" deep dado in the sides that will slide on 1/2" by 1/4" rails in the side of the case. I realize that both paraffin and beeswax will probably work to lubricate the action, but was wondering if one might work better than the other. I have both on hand so I can use either. Anybody have any experience with both and can recommend one over the other?

 

[Howard Acheson]

Bees wax is actually fairly sticky and not very slick or slippery. I always use paraffin or a couple of coats of Johnson Paste Wax.

 

[Howard Acheson]

<<<< I realize that both paraffin and beeswax will probably work to lubricate the action,

Actually, beeswax is not very slippery. It's sort of gummy and sticky. I generally use Johnson wax which works well. Paraffin is also not as slippery as the Johnson Wax.

Another note. I recommend using solid hardwood for the slides. Solid wood holds up better than plywood and will not wear..

 

[bbrown]

I also see a product which is called something like "SlipEase" at Woodcraft. That might be another option.

 

[drw]

Ken, I have also used Johnson Paste Wax with good results.

 

[Bill Clemmons]

+1 for Johnson Paste Wax in the yellow can. It's what I use for all my wooden drawer runners.

 

[McRabbet]

Simplest solution is Gulf Canning Wax, found in your grocery canning supplies. It is paraffin and works very well. If you want it to penetrate the wood more, just melt some in some mineral spirits over very low heat.

 

[CrealBilly]

Prefer gulf canning wax dissolved in a little mineral spirits like McRabbet mentioned over silicon based waxes. Silicon and wood finishes don't go well together at all (fish eye). I try and keep silicon out of the wood shop all together.

 

[bguil]

a professional turner/restorer I knew always swore by the use of pecan for steady rests; can't remember if it was the wood itself that was more slick or that it held wax better. perhaps a choice for the runners?

 

[KenOfCary]

Runners are hard maple which should be fairly smooth and hold up well. Now I have to decide whether to use Johnson's Paste wax or the Gulf Paraffin sticks that I have. No clear winner, but looks like Bees Wax is out.

Thanks for the replies and advice.

 

[Pop Golden]

Good ol' Johnson's Paste wax. How can you run a shop without it? I use it to make things slide, protect machine tables etc.

Pop

 

[Jeff]

a professional turner/restorer I knew always swore by the use of pecan for steady rests; can't remember if it was the wood itself that was more slick or that it held wax better. perhaps a choice for the runners?

For information: Pecan is essentially a type of hickory and, yes, it's hard. Pecan lumber is often found in the hickory lumber bins without being distinguished.

 

[jhreed]

Johnson Paste wax, red can, non-silicone.

 

[KenOfCary]

I ended up using some Staples brand paste wax. Carnuba and others with no silicone. It's working well. Some other Staples, not the office supplies store, think I got it at an auto supply place but not sure.