It is important the cord has a controlled amount of slip on the drive spindle. I have learned some important lessons from using hand winches to operate the sail ropes (sheets) on sailing boats. (although these were never waxed, the grip between the rope and winch drum is controlled by tension on the lazy end and the number of turns.)
During the process of turning the tuning knob on a radio the cord works its way up the side of the drive capstan, if there is no slip preventing the turns from sliding down the side, then the high end of the cord is liable to tumble back and cross over the cord causing it to lock on the capstan drive. Also when you get to the end of the travel the cord needs to slip so that it cant be over turned to the point of breaking the cord.
I have only ever used wax to create the controlled amount of slip that is required. It needs to be the correct type of wax, traditionally beeswax was used, it is firm yet easily kneaded.
The wax found on the surface and ends of waxy capacitors can sometimes be a bit soft, it can work, but it is not as suitable as beeswax.
Sometimes harder candle wax may be ok to use, did you ever make those little toy tanks with an elastic band, cotton reel, slice of candle and a matchstick. They worked by the controlled friction caused by the wax on the side of the cotton reel.
Mike
During the process of turning the tuning knob on a radio the cord works its way up the side of the drive capstan, if there is no slip preventing the turns from sliding down the side, then the high end of the cord is liable to tumble back and cross over the cord causing it to lock on the capstan drive. Also when you get to the end of the travel the cord needs to slip so that it cant be over turned to the point of breaking the cord.
I have only ever used wax to create the controlled amount of slip that is required. It needs to be the correct type of wax, traditionally beeswax was used, it is firm yet easily kneaded.
The wax found on the surface and ends of waxy capacitors can sometimes be a bit soft, it can work, but it is not as suitable as beeswax.
Sometimes harder candle wax may be ok to use, did you ever make those little toy tanks with an elastic band, cotton reel, slice of candle and a matchstick. They worked by the controlled friction caused by the wax on the side of the cotton reel.
Mike
