r/MachineKnitting • u/miss_imker • 4d ago

Techniques Beeswax for knitting machine yarn?

I recently bought myself a Passap Duomatic 80 and am new to the machine knitting thing. I am wondering if beeswax is ok to use to wax the yarn, or if it is too sticky and would gum up the machine? I have tons of beeswax on hand but don't want to make a mistake a mess on this machine.

Thanks in advance!

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

11 comments sorted by

3

u/Ok-Frame4708 4d ago

I can’t respond specifically about beeswax, but I will say that there is a specific location on the yarn mast that holds wax made for knitting machines, which is very inexpensive. Check out TheKnittingCloset.

1

u/miss_imker 3d ago

Thanks! I'll take a look :)

3

u/susiroo 4d ago

Paraffin for the DM-80! You’re right about beeswax being to soft and sticky. The paraffins come with holes to fit on the tension mast.

1

u/miss_imker 3d ago

Thanks! I've been looking everywhere for a parrafin device attachment but haven't had any luck so far.

2

u/susiroo 2d ago edited 2d ago

Having different machines led to to some confusion on my part. When using my DM-80, I wasn’t waxing, and I didn’t miss it. Used mostly coned yarn on it, which is usually pre-waxed. That machine is a total workhorse - just be sure to clean with the materials Passap recommends.
Have fun!

1

u/miss_imker 1d ago

Thanks! It's definitely an intimidating machine for a newbie, but I found some very good videos on YouTube that have helped me get started.

1

u/Humble_Tree_1066 1d ago

I 3D printed a set of paraffiner holders for my DM 80, if you know anyone with a 3D printer they can easily print one. If you are in UK reach out by private message as happy to print one for what it costs me and Royal Mail postage.

3

u/Sock0k 3d ago

Beeswax is a friction wax!

Yarn wax is a lubricant wax (that also washes out as its water soluble)

I keep bees so I have loads of wax and you definitely don’t want beeswax anywhere in your yarn or machine.

2

u/miss_imker 3d ago

Hello fellow beekeeper :) Thanks for the insight!

2

u/MmedeF 4d ago

I have a DM 80 & haven't needed it yet, but someone suggested a squirt of silicone spray every 200 rows directly onto the yarn. I have mine on standby

1

u/miss_imker 3d ago

Interesting.. Will definitely look into that!