I think I missed my opportunity to make my waxed dirt with the sun. Looks like I am going to have to heat it up on the stove. Worried about getting a burnt smell on it from doing it that way. Had some digging last winter, and it was under the snow. I'm far from a foot hold trapper for Yotes. What are your opinions, do you think it is to cool days for making it outside? I would put black plastic down first. Thanks for any suggestions.

I use roaster pans and a propane stove..stir and remove when it looks moist on the edges...dump into a larger container and stir as it cools...no problems

That's what I did last year. Okay thank you for your reply.

Thats the way i do mine

I've had issues with the strength of the sun this late in the year. Just doesnt have the same type of power it seems like it does in late July or early August.

What's the worst that will happen if it doesnt melt? Just means you have it mixed and prepared for an alternate method.

I live in Montana so when you get dry sand out it rains, just like when we go to tin a roof the wind starts blowing. So i just use a weed burner and a mixer. Some people worry about burnt wax smell, i'm happy with my catch every year so need less to say i dont worry about it at all. What ever works best for you is what to do.

Okay , thank you all for your replies. Looks like the stove again this year for me.

I made waxed sand Wednesday with the solar method. Temperature didn't get above 85 degrees. I have no trouble making waxed sand or dirt when the temp is at least 80 and the sun is shining. I have two tables covered in clear plastic that seal up all the way around to hold the heat like a green house. I have seen several pics from guys making waxed dirt with no cover or open ends, while this will work under ideal conditions, if you cover and seal you are making a oven. I don't know what part of NY you are in, but it looks like some parts of the state are going to hit the 80's this week. I your area is going to be in the 80's, I say mix it, cover, seal it up, and see what happens.

The max temperature you want the sand is about 138 degrees to avoid that burnt wax odor. I know it sounds like B.S. but I have read this several times over the years. I heat mine in a cement mixer and use a lazar thermometer and don’t go over 135. It works well. I have never done it in the sun.