Simple tool to break down beeswax blocks

LaurieLovesLearning

I'm here to help the salve makers here save some money. Who doesn't like that?

We all know that bricks cost less than pastilles, but bricks of beeswax are not fun to deal with.

My husband encouraged me to get some beeswax (a good price) at the craft sale so I can get by for a while. We will talk to some beekeepers about getting wax to purify later. I had told him about the difficulties getting chunks off and the length of time it takes to melt those down into oil. He said we'd see what we can figure out.

So, yesterday evening, he got pretty excited about the idea of using a certain woodworking rasp he had but doesn't use. Apparently, we have two from garage sale/auction buckets. Those buckets are the odds and ends that people throw together in hopes of just getting rid of them if someone sees something in that bucket that they can't live without.

I have to say after trying it that it works so smoothly & easily. You apply very little pressure (light like lymphatic massage type of light) as you glide the tool along the brick. There is no hurt to my hands at all (so wonderful since they are now always either numb or tingly). The pieces coming off the brick are so fine.

I got excited, as it is almost kind of fun. 😆 So effortless!

Here is this awesome, inexpensive tool that I think all people who work with beeswax should own. Also, if you ever need replacement blades, they are super inexpensive as well.

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/stanley-6-inch-pocket-surform-plane/1000102660

Linda Bittle

Awesome! That's why I started using the expensive pastilles.

Torey

Ooooh! Awesome! And an excellent price.

I will get one next time I am at Home Depot!

jowitt.europe

What an excellent idea! I do have my own beeswax in bricks. I do cut with a knife, but, as you say, it is sooo difficult. My husband has a few woodworking rasps which he does not use. I will store one next to my beeswax.

Lisa K

Great idea! I am like @Linda Bittle and bought the expensive pastilles, now I will not have too!

annbeck62

What a great idea I will pick one up next time I'm at Home Depot. I've also been using the expensive pastilles but welcome an alternative solution.

vickeym

What a great idea. I'm gonna have my husband pick one up for me next time he goes to home depot. Even though I'm using small bricks they are still hard to cut.

Sheila

The plane looks much easier on your hands than the chocolate breaking fork

I usually use. It is pretty easy but the plane looks effortless!

nicksamanda11

I broke mine up all at once so I can just grab chunks when I'm ready.

Cool idea on the tool.

LaurieLovesLearning

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/924228#Comment_924228

That's what I'd done previously. This tool is much better.

LaurieLovesLearning

https://community.thegrownetwork.com/discussion/comment/924227#Comment_924227

My husband figured that looked like a mean little tool. 😆

MissPatricia

I had bought the block once, then pastilles, as so many here did. May have to try the rasp...great idea that husband had.

water2world

@LaurieLovesLearning YES, YES, and YES!!!! My son has bees and this will be an excellent tool. Thanks so much!

Torey

This week I had to travel to one of our nearest cities that has a Home Depot.

Found it! What an excellent tool! Can't wait until my next class to show it off.