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Thread: Cutting thin wax slices

  1. #1
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    Default Cutting thin wax slices

    Is there a good (and quick) way of cutting thin (roughly 2mm) wax slices from a block for carving?

    It takes me an age to saw through the block of wax, then my slice is so wonky I have to spend another age filing it all down so it's a flat slice.

    I'll be using these quite a lot for some upcoming projects so was wondering whether it's worth investing in one of these: http://www.cooksongold.com/Jewellery...rcode-999-3339 which looks like it could be used as a mini bandsaw, or is there something smaller/cheaper out there that might work?

  2. #2
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    Japanese pull saw? Something like a dozuki?

  3. #3
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    A scroll saw might help, but there is always an irritating delay when the blade breaks and has to be replaced

    Actually I have found that saw blades intended for wood are pretty good for wax and also acrylic, Lauren:

    http://www.originalmarquetry.co.uk/p...tails_1300.htm

    .
    Last edited by Dennis; 27-07-2017 at 05:39 PM.

  4. #4
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    I cut wax slices regularly for my mill, I use a saw similar to the one in the picture a cheap B&Q version has served me well. But the easiest way is to get a square silicon cake mould, melt the wax slowly in a small pan (electric is safer I use a Argos hot plate)

    Click image for larger version. 

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    then pour it into the cake mould to the required thickness then leave it to set works great

  5. #5
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    I suppose it depends what you are making but I find it best for me to carve the wax as it is then file the back to the required thickness afterwards.
    That way Im less likely to accidentally break off a chunk as I carve.
    I do buy mine in various thickness slices though

  6. #6
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    Depends how large your 2mm slices are as to whether this will work but how about a cheese wire or a heated blade on a kitchen knife depending on the softness of the wax. (or heat the cheese wire)

  7. #7
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    Just tried it - yes, a dozuki saw works very well for taking thin slices off a block of wax. Quick, accurate and doesn't require much cleanup.

    If you really need a scrollsaw, then I'd advise saving for a Hegner (or the Axminster clones in a pinch). I'm not much of a fan of Dremel's tools beyond the motor.

  8. #8
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    Hi Lauren, would these wax sheets be any good?

    http://j-schmalz.de/goldsmiths-tools...49b48944b76889

    Les.
    Poor old Les

  9. #9
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    Thanks so much for the replies everyone. Apologies for the delay in posting, had a ridiculous week at work!

    Les, those wax sheets look great for thinner pieces, but not thick enough for my current project.

    I think I'm going to try the melting/silicon mould method and the dozuki saw and see which is quicker. Peter, what size dozuki do you think would be best? There appears to be a bewildering array of them available!

  10. #10
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    Just coming back to this to say I ended up getting one of these http://www.ottofrei.com/Zona-35-550-Fine-Razor-Saw which I think is similar to the dozuki saw and it's much easier to cut slices and bits of ring tube with this than a regular saw frame and wax blades. My slices are now straight, hurrah!

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