Bees Wax?

[jjarrett88]

Anybody ever put anything on the tenons? I was thinking of rubbing some bees wax on them to avoid possibly breaking something on these snugger fits.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I use graphite on tight tenons.

 

[jaytex1969]

I stole my wife's tube of Burt's Bees beeswax lip balm shortly after getting a few pipes. A tiny wipe on the finger is more than enough to treat a tenon and help with a tight fit.
Rumor has it that it also miraculously helps with a loose fit, but I've not yet had that problem. Make sure it's uncolored and unflavored, just the plain beeswax.

 

[instymp]

I think I used bees wax on loose tenons.

 

[jpmcwjr]

It can be used for either or both if you prefer!
But not leaving the stem out for more than an hour will help with problems of fit. (The mortise dries: too tight feeling. The mortise dries: too loose as the hole enlarges as it dries.)

 

[oldgeezersmoker]

Beeswax works, been very pleased with it.

 

[drrock]

Carpenter’s pencil for snug fit.

Beeswax for loose fit.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Rumor has it that it also miraculously helps with a loose fit

It does indeed. Works like a charm. I heat a bit of it up to liquid form, dip a q tip in it, let it cool slightly (only takes a few seconds)so that I'm not putting it on the tenon hot, and then rub it on. Works great.

 

[jaytex1969]

Most of my experience with beeswax comes from other people advising me to mind my own. Not sure how they even knew I had any... :|