Hello. I spilled bore oil on the threads. Is that going to cause a problem? I made an attempt to soak it up with a paper towel, but the oil was already quite penetrated.
Also, am I supposed to put wax on the threads from time-to-time?
No harm done, particularly if the thread was previously waxed. You could unwrap a layer or two of thread and wipe some more, then rewrap the thread. This is what you’d do (unwrap/rewrap thread) as a first step, if the joint/tenon fit was loose, so it’s good practice.
The thread should be waxed period periodically, and whenever the socket/tenon fit is too tight.
I’ve always used cork grease, not wax. Does the job, but having never used wax, I don’t know if it makes any difference.
My flute has threads, not cork, and Casey says he uses the wax used to install toilets. It’s not clear from his care sheet if you are supposed to wax them yourself from time-to-time, and I do wonder how one acquires a small amount of toilet wax rather than the enormous chunk normally used for toilet installation. In any case, they seem waxed enough, but I was a bit worried the bore oil might dilute the wax. It’s quite penetrating stuff.
An approximation of toilet-gasket wax (or cork grease for that matter) can be made using beeswax and petroleum jelly. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler or a can in boiling water and add maybe 20% petroleum jelly.* Let it mix well, cool, and adjust till it’s the right consistency for you. If you don’t like the idea of petroleum-based stuff, it might work with almond oil. I’ve never tried that, though.
*Do not let the water boil away. I did this in my reckless youth when candle making. I hated almost burning the house down when I wasn’t even playing with fire.
This will work fine. Since the stuff goes a long way, I prepared mine in the microwave in a film canister. Melt a chunk of beeswax and add some almond oil to it. Mix well and let cool. If it’s too stiff, then re-melt and add a little more oil. If it gets too oily, then add a bit of beeswax. When I got it the way I wanted it, I poured some of it up in a Carmex jar. Works great on the flute, and decent on the lips as well. Happy cooking!
Also, someone here {artsohio?) uses Carmex on the flute threads. It works too, but then your flute smells like Carmex. Others have used chapstik, cork grease, and a slew of other things. Do a search above on thread wax or grease or something like that. You’ll find out more than you want to, I’ll bet.
