I found your post intriguing, and I think a video of you performing the procedure might be what is called for. I had a go at doing the "hot-wax" thing once after installing a new chain on my Schwinn Super Sport after I'd ridden it a few thousands of miles back in the late 1980s. I used a double-boiler, and removed the chain to take it to the stove rather than taking the stove to the bike (so how do you keep your hot pot of wax "hot"?). I was happy with the results of my chain-waxing, and as you mention the chain was very stiff when the wax cooled. I also noticed that after the waxing, my chain would shed flakes of wax, to the point of giving the appearance that it (the chain) was suffering from "dandruff". I came to the conclusion that considering the amount of effort and hassle of using wax, using more conventional methods of chain lubrication are far more effective and easier, and less hassle. I use a mixture of 50/50 Phil's Tenacious and Finish-Line/Tri-Flow after washing the chain (Gatorade Bottle & Citrus-Brite CB-2, followed by wash using dish-soap & rinse & repeat). HTH -
- Wil