Butcher block sealing or How not to start a fire at the fire station

[Hank Moreman]

what is the best way to liquify perrafin wax and mineral oil together. My shop is on the backside of a firestation and I sure don't want to be the guy that started a fire there, I'll be using their kitchen so clean up needs to be a factor.

[Dan Friedrichs]

I've never done it, but I would imagine a double-boiler on the stove would do it. Put your wax and oil in an old coffee can (or something), and sit that can in a pot of boiling water. You shouldn't have to worry about fire because the wax/oil will never get above 212*F.

[Jerry White]

Here's how I have done it. Shred the paraffin ahead of time for ease of melting. Use a double boiler with water in the bottom pan to heat the mineral oil. Add the paraffin when the oil is hot enough to melt a test piece of the wax. When the paraffin is all melted, stir the mixture and pour into a container.

Cleanup can be done easily with hot soapy water.

[Brian Effinger]

Definitely the double boiler. Don't - under any circumstances - melt it in a single pot over a heat source. You won't get a fire, but a whole lot of smoke. I can't say how I know this ;), but trust me on this.

[Fred Pickering]

Just melt the wax in a double boiler. when it is melted just pore the wax into the oil or thinner. There is no need to heat the oil if it is room temp.

Fred P.............

[Bill Huber]

The last time I did it I just used the Microwave and it worked fine.

I shaved the wax into the mineral oil and then put it in the Microwave, heated it up and stirred it up and then another min. and stirred it some more.

[Jeff Clow]

I have not done the mix with mineral spirits, but use melted paraffin to seal fresh cut logs (for turning).
I picked up a crock pot from Good Will for $6.00. I cut up the blocks, to melt easier. It takes some time for the crock pot to melt the batch (2 or 3 boxes). There was no smoke, no smell, just melted wax. There is no open flame, or open heating element, so very little fire danger.
When done, I just turn it off & unplug, leaving the wax in the pot. Next time I use it, I just plug it in, turn it on & wait for it to melt again.