Hot Wax for the Soul (Sole, actually)

[JeepishGrin]

I'm in the process of restoring a very old, but very complete, USMC Rapid Lockstitch Outsole Stitcher (Curved Needle Machine).  I'm pretty sure I can get the old gal running again, but I'm nervous about the hot wax system.  I'm just a hobby cobbler and will only stitch a handful of soles a year, so I think the hot wax system will be problematic with such little use. 

Here's my question.  Can I stitch the sole first, and apply the hot wax - or some other "cold" formulation - afterward?  In other words, stitch without wax and apply the wax, later.   It seems to me that capillary action would pull any low viscosity liquid (hot or cold) down into the needle holes and saturate the thread and leather.  This wouldn't be practical in output production or in a shoe repair shop where "time is money", but for a hobbyist, I see no reason that it wouldn't work.

I'd comments from "real" cobblers and shoe repair experts.

 

Thanks!

Mike

[Wizcrafts]

You should be able to run pre-waxed linen thread through this machine. If not, you can by Ceroxylon clear liquid wax from Puritan Industries. It cleans up pretty easily and can be thinned with water. Mind the twist direction as recommended in the manual. If it says to use right twist, do so. Puritan and Campbell Randall both sell this thread.

[electrathon]

To the best of my knowledge pretty much no one uses the original waxer any more.  Thread has came a long way since that machine was built.

[MADMAX22]

4 hours ago, electrathon said:

To the best of my knowledge pretty much no one uses the original waxer any more.  Thread has came a long way since that machine was built.

Convenience yeah, about the only reason I could see not using wax and linen thread IMHO. 

[SBud]

I’ve used one of these or very similar back in the late eights. 
Spent 3 years working with a long time cobbler in HMS Raleigh. 
 

fun times  take care these things can bite