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How to turn this……. Into this……
There are several methods of breaking up a wax block. All of them lead to the ultimate goals of having pieces of wax small enough to fit into the melting pot, and being able to measure out wax to an exact weight. Some of them are easier (and safer) than others. Here are three methods I recommend.
SAFETY NOTE: It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear when engaged in the activity of breaking a wax block into smaller chunks.
Bag, Board and Hammer
Place your block of wax in a plastic bag. Prop one end of the wax block up onto a board, as shown. Strike the block in the center with a hammer. The block breaks roughly in half. Take one half of the wax block, place it in the bag, and position it so one end is propped up on the board. Strike this block in the center with a hammer. The block again breaks roughly in half. Continue this way until you have chunks of wax small enough to weigh and to fit in your melting pot. Use a large knife or a cheese cutter to cut smaller pieces off your broken wax chunks for accuracy in weighing.
Box and Hammer
Place your block of wax in a box, as shown, and hit it neat the center with a hammer. The block will break roughly in half.
Take one of these halves, and lean it against the inside edge of the box. Hit it near the center, and it will again break roughly in half. Continue this way until you have chunks of wax small enough to weigh and to fit in your melting pot. Use a large knife or a cheese cutter to cut smaller pieces off your broken wax chunks for accuracy in weighing.
The Knife
Using an old knife, you can cut pieces off the edges or corners of your wax block. You can also use the knife to score your wax block with lines, indicating equal segments of the block. A hatched or meat cleaver can also be used. Be careful of your fingers and limbs when using a knife, hatchet or meat cleaver to break wax chunks off your wax block.
SAFETY NOTE: It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear when engaged in the activity of breaking a wax block into smaller chunks.