----- Original Message -----
From: "Lackey, Raymond" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: 11 March 2002 12:25
Subject: Paraffin Wax


> In questioning paraffin dipping, I have received comments back that it
makes
> the equipment heavier.  Does anyone have statistics as to how much weight
of
> wax stays with each hive body in dipping?

Although I have not weighed any boxes, my impression is that they are
considerably lighter.  This would be because dipping them in hot wax drives
out all of the water in the wood and replaces it with wax - which weighs
less.  I found that temperature was very important - if the wax is too cool
then you end up with a coating of wax on the boxes, but if you get it right
then the box will feel like dry wood and look as though it had not been
treated with anything.