FLYMPH FORUM

Going through old stuff.

Going through some old vises I have. In one of the boxes was this wax and bobbin holder. The wax was hard as a rock. I've had it probably 20+ years and never used it. Figured it was bad. Looks like it was for waxing large quantities of thread by the instructions on the tin. Anyway, Bob and William said to try melt it down in a double boiler. I did and it melted right down and looks great! It was actually still a little soft on the inside of a hard crust before I put it in there. Pretty amazing really. I have no idea but guess it is probably 40+ years old.

Question though, anyone have any info on this type bobbin holder?

Bobbin holder looks like an early Nor-Bobbin from Nor-Vise. Looks exactly like my newer ones, without the clutch assembly, The newer ones also have a longer, ceramic tube.

Nice finds.

another memory lane walk for me here.

Ron Eagle Elk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 23, 2021 7:27 am Bobbin holder looks like an early Nor-Bobbin from Nor-Vise. Looks exactly like my newer ones, without the clutch assembly, The newer ones also have a longer, ceramic tube.

Nice finds.

Interesting. It does look like it might fit the spools.

Carl, Here's a couple of newer models with the ceramic tubes. Might be blurry, didn't use a tripod.

Ron Eagle Elk wrote: ↑Tue Mar 23, 2021 6:28 pm Carl, Here's a couple of newer models with the ceramic tubes. Might be blurry, didn't use a tripod.

Thanks Ron for the lead. It was confirmed the bobbin holder is a first edition Norvise bobbin holder.

I have some Thompson's wax that I've had since the 60's which is now hard as a rock. Did you add anything to when you melted it? I was thinking maybe it needed a few drops of oil.

Nope nothing. I had a tuna sandwich. Placed the the tin of wax in the tuna can and floated it in a pot of water which I brought to a very low boil. I used a toothpick to stir it some as it melted.

Carl,
This is just awesome to view! I have some of Bill Shucks tying wax from several years ago! It needs a "melt down" once in a while to keep it somewhat softer and usable! It's interesting that the Thompson wax you show is a rich, rusty red color! That has some great possibilities!
Thanks for sharing this process with us Carl! Our Forum is sooo interesting!
Dougsden

Leisenring’s recipe for wax called for the palest, hardest rosin. Darker grades of rosin are softer. The Thompson wax looks like a softer grade of rosin was used.