Civil War Wood Finish

[@newenglandpatriot4069]

I would never do civil war reenacting again, but I find your videos fun to watch.

[@donniemabry1470]

I seen your cook wear I love to see you cook up something in it I like to try it. Stay safe keep up the good work God bless.

[@jnw60]

Pine tar helps seal horse hoofs moisturize and prevent cracks.

[@31stvirginia]

Great

[@ssww3]

Was thinking of you guys today hope all is well

[@theequalsgamer2074]

When will be yalls next event

[@historyrepeated9529]

How much beeswax do you add to the liquids ?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Dealer's choice, actually. If you want a softer, rubbing finish, use less, and if you want a stiffer wax, add more. I generally melt more wax than I need and play it by eye.

[@historyrepeated9529]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS OK Thanks. I made a batch of the Army Ordinance Dept. paper waterproofer from the 1860s using a scaled down version of the original recipe ( I made one quart ) It was a liquid with dissolved beeswax in it. I used it to treat the wooden handles of a wheelbarrow around the time you posted that video and it still looks it was freshly coated last week.

[@historyrepeated9529]

I have most of those ingredients and I would like to make a batch 😊

[@guynemer53]

Question: if I make a maul out of natural materials in the woods, how do I keep the handle from splitting?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Do you mean as the wood dries or from use? Practically, soldiers treated items like those as disposable and only needed to work while in camp. If it's cracking during drying then it'll take a bit more planning. Find a log you plan to make into a maul, remove the bark and allow it to dry slowly. Even then some woods will crack more as they dry than others. Cherry and oak are pretty stable. If it's from use, keep it oiled and make sure your handle is big enough, or even tapered to handle the strain. When in doubt, trial and error. Awesome question.

[@MikeD56034]

hey 1st sgt, i tried reaching out to you and your captain last year via your website. but never got an email response. i had some questions about the officers desk ive seen you create in past videos.

[@BlackPowderEnjoyer]

Yay, New video

[@donl1410]

Is it tacky or does it act like linseed oil?

[@CompanyD2ndUSSS]

Dries just like any oil finish.

[@donl1410]

@@CompanyD2ndUSSS Thanks