Restored Mandau

[David]

Originally Posted by A. G. Maisey

In all the mandau that I have had to restore, the lump on the bottom of mandau handle has displayed the properties of damar + beeswax, and sometimes with a filler, like the Javanese handle filler. When I have had to replace this lump, I've always used damar + beeswax + plus a terracotta filler. http://www.rfpaints.com/PUWin/Damar.htm

Thanks Alan. Can you share the formula you have used when mixing these ingredients.

[A. G. Maisey]

David, I don't want to be a miserable old so & so, but I'm sorry, I cannot. In fact, I've probably already said too much. This was given to me by the grandson of one of the old-time , great, mranggis, and along with the qualification:- "this is enough for Pak Alan alone". In other words, keep your mouth shut. This man is still alive, so out of respect for him, I've said as much as I intend to.

If you wanted to try it, just play around a bit with proportions, and use common sense. But it is dangerous stuff, it throws off clouds of very inflammable smoke when you make it, and if it catches fire its best just to run and let it burn itself out. Goes without saying you do it outside away from any buildings.