I'm getting set to start dipping woodenware and, as usual, investigating all options in advance. I'd like this thread to list all the wax and rosin/pitch options with any experiences and/or potential pros/cons of each.
I'll start off with the little research I've done so far.
Paraffin seems to be the most common choice. I realize there is "food-grade" (non-toxic) paraffin available but it seems there is some variability as well as proprietary blends. I understand paraffin to be a petroleum-based wax. (off topic - are they any healthy petroleum-based foods??).
Beeswax would seem to be the obvious most natural choice, perhaps it has superior protective qualities as well. Also - very expensive, even for a beekeeper with surplus when one weighs the opportunity (lost resale) costs.
There are quite a few other vegetable wax (even organic) options available, some at pricing less than paraffin. If their protective qualities are comparable, this is where I'm leaning. The leading contender thus far is:
Palm wax - "Palm wax is an all-natural, renewable resource that is obtained from the oil palm" & I have a local (imported) source for less than $1/#. (there's an add running in the ABJ with 4000# for $.75/#). Does anyone have experience dipping woodenware with Palm wax?
Soy wax is another option.
So there's a few wax options. As far as rosin, that seems to be very rarely used/available anymore (here in the usa, tons available as import from China). Mann Lake offers gum rosin. I found a local importer that has "Brazilian gum rosin" (quite a bit more expensive). And then there is the unrefined pine pitch/tar (aka "brewer's pitch"). This is typically available at "Feed" (farm supply) stores (it's used topically on hooves and after de-horning). I don't have any recipes for pitch vs rosin (anyone?), but I may add some just because it smells so good. ;)
Cheers,
Dane