>I am interested in a recipe for waterproof shoe polish. It requires 4 oz >beeswax, 4 oz resin, 1 pt linseed oil, 1/4 pt turpentine. Has anyone >any ideas for obtaining the resin. Being a Scot I am unwilling to pay >for this. Can you obtain the resin from pine trees and if so by what >method? I have tried to cut the bark of Scots pines but I think I would >be there till doomsday trying to get 4 ozs! > >Harry >Scotland. Harry: I am not sure but I think that I can help you. In Vermont there is a tree called balsum fir which grows everywhere. At this time of year there are blisters of sap just under the bark which I believe is rosen or maybe a diluted form of it. I know people harvest this liquid which is colorless and extreemly sticky to the touch by using large hypodermic needles. What we use for waterproofing boots is 1/3 part beeswax 1/3 part vegetable oil or rendered bears fat which is preferred and 1/3 part neats foot oil. Heated and stired till cool this will keep the water out and still lets the leather breath. George George & Lorraine Willy The Village Inn of East Burke Box 186 East Burke, Vermont 05832