Wax Dirt Screw Up

Yesterday I finally started my first ever batch of wax dirt. I made 35 gallons and have 65 gallons to go.

I put a weed burner under my Harbor Freight cement mixer. I heated the dirt to 130ish degrees but in doing so scorched the paint on the cement mixer. It eventually scorched on the inside too.

My waxed dirt has an odor of scorched paint. It looks great, but I can smell it. I have to put it up to my nose to smell it, but I know a coyote will.

Throw it out and start over? Now I have a scorched paint cement mixer too. I assume if I back off the flame it won't scorch anymore. Right?

I tend to overthink things but I think I know the answer here. Please give me your recommendations!

Thank you in advance.

Toss it and start over but first I would runs some sand in the mixer to remove the scorched paint. The sand is abrasive enough to remove the paint or it will contaminate your next batch or two. Back the flame off and keep an eye on your temps. I use solar as it might be slower but it's almost foolproof and cheaper to make.

Good advice. Many thanks.

I have only used the solar method. Second year trying this waxed dirt/sand. My first year was quite the trial and error. I like the idea of the heated mixer setup but haven’t done it. Lots of opinions on wax dirt storage after getting it made. I can tell you using 5 gallon buckets that had pickles in them doesn’t work! Coyotes apparently like to dig for pickles! I was told the contaminated dirt works well for cats! If that’s an option for you. Good luck!

I use a cement mixer and you are correct too much heat to quickly. My mixer H F came with a plastic washer/ flange gasket that I will leave out up on assembly for the very reason you encountered. The last one I used had the paint worn out from the inside. Dump the stinky stuff.
If you want to get real snazzy get yourself a bag of black beauty blasting media and a couple gallons of 3/4 “ screen gravel. Add to the mixer aply heat to the bottom of the drum with about a foot of gap between end of flame and let her run about half an hour, dump. Put three gallons water and 1 box baking soda start mixer add heat until
water is steaming dump. Rinse with fresh water and heat to dry make wax dirt when done spray drum with Pam or you will have rust.
If you think about it water boils at 212F wax melts @120F——150F. Only way to scorch wax is same for burning food getting in a hurry. Once your drum is brought up to temperature there is no faster method to make WD.

BC,
130 degree dirt sould not be a problem, about perfect. But, If you are checking temps with a lazer thermometer you may only be monitoring surface temp. Those mixers have multiple settings for mixing. I've found the the more vertical the less the dirt mixes and faster it heats, often too fast, on the bottom. The more horizontal the more even the dirt warms and prevents scorching.

I don't think the dirt will scare all coyote off. I use painted traps last year for the first time and I could still smell paint when I set them. I caught one the first night and caught several after that with those paint traps. I would use it on a a few test sets in my best areas to see how they react.

I find i have to run the weed burner just hotter than the lowest setting, takes more time but doesnt burn the paint or rubber gasket.

Yep, great post

I have been making 1/2 gl at a time using 1 gl ice cream buckets in the microwave. I have been putting it in for 4 min at a time and seems to come out melted well and with a little stir and seems to be well mixed. I don't notice any different odor. Storing it in 1 gl plastic water jugs.

If you are going through all the trouble to set up gear, scout, get permission, make decent sets, and check them….no way I’d use dirt that smells like burned paint just on general principle….. Make new for sure. Good luck trapping!

Thanks guys. The 35 gallons of scorched dirt is now in the yard. Mixer has been cleaned with sand and gravel. Back to work on getting better at this.

I would've laid it out on a tarp and let the smell disipate and try it.

Use for cats,, will not be a problem go get more dirt a bit more wax make wax dirt for coyotes your good to go now on .
There is a learning curve .

The boy and I just finished our 100 gallons. Thanks for all of the tips.

I have this down now and am looking forward to next year going much smoother.

It will go smoother next time. I take notes every year...dirt temp, amount of wax, time mixing,,,etc, and throw the notes in with the wax sand for the following year. I also take pics of my burner set-up, and try to duplicate it exactly, every year.

Like Red says, there is a learning curve.

Has anyone tried ant hill for waxed dirt, talking western ants that are fine gravel per say?