Author Topic: It is that time of year--Dipping time (Read 1114 times)

Bogmaster · « **on:** July 23, 2003, 03:44:01 AM »

For once I have to get things done in a timely matter,no procrastination this year when it comes to dipping.The weather right now is just perfect for dipping.It is time to get out my dip,coleman fuel and my Rubbermaid sweater box.
I always end up dipping my traps at the last minute,I keep telling myself "not this year".So if all goes well in the next couple of days I am going to get at them.
My question to all of you--How many dippers do we have on here??(skinny dipping does not count).How many are dye and waxers??Tom

Mallard · « **Reply #1 on:** July 23, 2003, 05:00:13 AM »

Dye and Waxer here. I use wallnut hulls for the dye, and the wax is 15lbs of candle wax and 1 bees wax toilet ring for softening. I use this wax for my water traps, and have a "clean wax" pot in addition, for the canine traps (No bees wax).

Bogmaster · « **Reply #2 on:** July 23, 2003, 05:38:23 AM »

Bill, with your new belisles you may want to dip,I single dip all my 330s.That way I do not have to scrape dogs.I dip mine in the fall and again in the spring. Tom

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2003, 06:03:36 AM »

I dyed and waxed my traps last year using the trap dip you mix with gas. Instead of gas, I used mineral spirits. The traps turned out ok, but took about 2 weeks to get rid of the oder. I think this year I will try some Formula 1 simply because it is a water based trap dip and it takes less time to dry.

coyote trapper1928

Mallard · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2003, 06:18:40 AM »

I'm sort of leaning that way Tom. Just knocked the gease off of them, and have them taking a light rust. I only wax 110s :shock: ( I know.... I just like them that way) and don't dare wax anything larger than that in the conibear line. I'm thinking speed dip may be the way to go with the bigger coni's. Matter of fact, your comment may have just made up my mind for me. LOL

Appleknocker · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2003, 07:03:23 AM »

I used to dip everything and got canine refusals. Now I only dip water traps. Favorite dip is Aarons which you can not get anymore then I prefer Blackies. Get much better results and smell leaves quick using a quailty lantern fuel. I have gone back to dye and wax on my canine traps. I prefer crystals over powder. I did some traps with Formula One last year and did not have any refusals on canine. What I did not care for was I had to dip them 4 to 6 times to get desired results. Maybe I wanted them to be darker than you would normally have to have. Plan on discussing with Newt in Alma.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2003, 07:16:06 AM »

I also use nothing but Blackies steel coat.Using coleman fuel , I get a quick and complete dryout.Yotes didnt seem to mind a bit.Also by dipping now any chance of odor will be gone by season.Never and I repeat that,Never mix with gasoline,with all the additives we have in our gas(including corn) you will not get a good dry out.I stick to the coleman.
Here is another tip,place in plastic bucket when you are done>place the lid on tightly.Then make a mark on the outside of the bucket at the top of the dip line.When you go to dip again ,just add fuel to reach your mark,stir and you will be set to go.I used one batch for 5 years before I had to start again.Sand blowing in while dipping finally put an end to my string of uses on the same batch.
Also,one of your wifes or mothers rubbermaid sweater boxes is just the right size for dipping 330s. Tom

Mallard · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2003, 07:48:15 AM »

When I get caught, I'll let her know the sweater box was your idea.......

spiderclawz · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2003, 10:56:52 AM »

I dye & wax my traps.

This year I thought I might try something different.... I saw someone selling Fry Daddy's full of wax on eBay. hmmmm...

I found a Grand Daddy Deep Fryer at a sale last week and what the hey... I'll give it a try. I hope it isn't dangerous. See, I don't have more than a couple dozen traps, so this could be convenient and where I now live, I can't build a fire pit in the yard. I'll be heating up my traps in a galvanized bucket on my Gas Grill Side Burner.

we'll see....

Bogmaster · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2003, 12:36:01 PM »

Spider,heating wax is always dangerous,because it is so flammable.I used to use a double boiler type of system when I waxed traps. Tom

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2003, 02:18:17 PM »

I dip and use lantern fuel. I have no noticable string of refusals or digs. Yes I have a digger here and there but they dig regardless of the trap treatment. I know that others, some very experienced, feel that dipping is a curse on a canine line. My experience doesn't support this. However, I dip my traps in 1:5 dilution of dip to fuel and hang them for a couple too four months in the desert sun and almost no humidity before I put them in the ground; this may have alot to do with things. Soil types, humidity, moisture, temperature and other factors may have profound effects on a canids scenting capacity and their ability to detect traps. I worry more about waxes absorbing odors than a well seasoned dipped trap giving off odors. This works well for me but you guys up north may need different approaches..."hard tellin not knowin"

spiderclawz · « **Reply #11 on:** July 24, 2003, 02:54:12 AM »

Tom, Years ago I used to heat the wax over our brush pile fire in an old paint bucket, and many times I'd get flare ups and singed eyebrows.

But, I guess I was ignorant to how dangeous it really was. Will wax explode under certain circumstances? I know not to use the garden hose to put out the fire... sometimes we learn the hard way... I was just a kid.

Thanks for the tip

Bogmaster · « **Reply #12 on:** July 24, 2003, 06:01:51 AM »

Spider,wax can do all sorts of nasty stuff--when it catches fire.The best thing to do with a wax fire--other than run lol --is to have a board big enough to completely cover your wax bucket.Then if a fire starts--place the board over the bucket, and smother the flames.Long sleeved shirt ,gloves and safety goggles will also help in keeping you from getting waxed.
Remember guys, be safe when boiling and waxing traps. Tom

Appleknocker · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2003, 06:43:01 AM »

Tom: When you waxed and used that double boiler arrangement, were you dipping your traps in wax only, or were you still melting in on water. Bob Wendt says he waxs in straight wax because you get water bubbles under the wax when you melt wax on top of water then dip. It just seems like you would be increasing the chance of fire as well as getting to heavy of a coat of wax without floating in on water. Also, is there anything you can do to "set" the dye on your traps before waxing? It just seems like I am getting to much dye on my hands or anything else that touches the traps between the dying and waxing process. Or is there a difference in the various powder dyes that vendors sell as to how well it sticks to the traps, or is it basically all the same? It certainly all looks the same.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #14 on:** July 24, 2003, 07:01:06 AM »

AK, I quit floating wax on water in my younger days.Using that system you got to much wax on some traps, and not enough on others.When using just wax,let your trap set in the wax for a bit.That way it becomes the same temperature as your wax.The result is a fine even coat of wax on your traps.
All dyes (logwood)types seem to be pretty much the same.Let them dry completely before putting in the wax.I used to wire my traps when dying,that way I did not handle the trap.They were hung on the line by the wire, not touching them , kept the dye on the trap--and not on your hands. Tom

Dave Lyons · « **Reply #15 on:** July 24, 2003, 09:25:41 AM »

I never floated wax on the water. But always dipped them in pure wax for a few min. One thing I just got last year was a turkey fryer. Man that base they come with works wonders on getting a hot flame for boiling. Thats a lot better then starting a fire and hoping you have dry wood. It also works great to limit the flame for the wax, it has been safer for me.

Dave Lyons

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #16 on:** July 24, 2003, 10:29:01 AM »

Reading Dave's post reminded me that I just purchased a turkey flyer complete with a 30 qt Aluminum pot for $29 from Sportsmansguide.com. It roars like the expensive ones and seems to be quite rugged.

Mallard · « **Reply #17 on:** July 25, 2003, 02:09:10 AM »

Wackyquacker, Stoe's or Blackies dip?

Tom, What mix ratio do you use with the Blackies?

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #18 on:** July 25, 2003, 05:16:19 AM »

I have used Stoes Dip. In all honesty I've never considered selecting one over the other. Do you guys notice a difference?

While we are on dips, I discovered another use for them: my son was designing his Eagle Scout Project (a near life size statue of an Elk for the Elks Lodge) and the question of colouring came to mind. Well, while leaning on the fence which also held all my traps I had a vision...it was a good vision. By mixing and blending white, brown and black dips we came up with a great looking Elk. The dips should be great for all sorts of lawn orniments and the like...no wash out, chipping, running, flaking etc and completley weather proof.

Bogmaster · « **Reply #19 on:** July 25, 2003, 05:18:54 AM »

Bill, when I start a new batch, I follow directions:3 cans of coleman to 1 of dip.If it seems a bit thick, after dipping a couple traps .I thin it out a bit more, I have been using this system for so long now, that I pretty much go by instinct on the mixture. I even dipped when it was snowing out. This was when I was headed for Mississippi, the traps turned out fine.I would however,rather do it this time of year. Tom

freddogs · « **Reply #20 on:** July 25, 2003, 06:02:55 AM »

What if anything do you put on 160s and 220s? I dip all my coilsprings and longsprings I use for rats and coon.

coyote trapper1928 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 25, 2003, 06:15:16 AM »

Hi:
What do you use to remove wax? I dipped my traps last year and then I waxed them. The traps could use another dip this year. I want to remove the wax but keep the old dip on. Some of the traps that I dipped last year I did not use . When I dipped my traps last year I mixed the dip with mineral spirits. Any suggestions?

Thanks,

coyote trapper1928

Bogmaster · « **Reply #22 on:** July 25, 2003, 06:24:49 AM »

Fred, I dip ALL my body gripping traps.I single dip them, so I do not have to scrape dogs and triggers.
Now you must remember,this is with Blackies steel coat.I have never used any other dip, so I can't vouch for them(as far as not having to scrape after single dipping).I would imagine it all depends on how thick you make your mixture. Tom

Wackyquacker · « **Reply #23 on:** July 25, 2003, 06:40:29 AM »

To remove wax, all I have done is to boil them in water with lye (saniflush) added followed by a couple of good rinses. Be careful with the sani -flush...it has the tendncy to erupt in a violent froth when added to the boiling water!!!

Rob220swift · « **Reply #24 on:** July 25, 2003, 03:31:45 PM »

Tom: I'm a water trap painter, and a canine/land trap dye and wax man.
I finished up in early June so I'm done until I go to a convention and buy more traps, which I have promised my wife I won't do. I like doing it cause nobody bothers me and I can have some peace.

steven49er · « **Reply #25 on:** July 25, 2003, 04:06:47 PM »

I dip all my traps. Never used coleman gas until this year it is the only way to go.