Re: Dum-dum ignorance

Posted by Fish'n Jim On 2023/7/3 10:43:16

Basically, a slang term for "putty" - which is typically linseed oil and ground calcium carbonate (limestone) or other clean fine earth based material. By changing the oil/solids ratio, chemistry, it'll change the aging and viscosity characteristics. Putties are > ~1M poise. eg; Drying oils will harden. Mineral oils/waxes will not. We've lost a significant history/know how of the early "sustainable" materials and how to make into products in favor of synthetic mass produced items.
I learned it called that from electricians so not sure of the origin. Dumdums are "lollipops". The electricians refer to "duct seal" as dumdum. When you penetrate a wall or exterior for a conduit you cram a bunch around the annulus and smooth out to stop water, bugs, etc from going in. Putties are sold in various forms, for various tasks, either lump or forms - on a roll, sometimes with paper between. I very recently had to get some to re-install the Cad heater core and the bigbox places didn't know what I was talking about. Today they'd use a foam gasket. Can you believe they sold putty knives but not putty? I ordered on line. So don't feel bad, it's out of fashion somewhat with all the foams and plastics du jour and demise of the ma-pa stores.
You can search under dumdum and find brand info.
There was specific "body putty", for much like what we use seam sealer today but that lingo was morphed to mean bondo/glaze when bondo came about. Goes on like putty but hardens thoroughly for sanding.
The internet doesn't have this type slang background info. You have to rely on period catalogs, research, etc. to know the history. I was fortunate to learn 60 years ago from old timey body men which is no longer possible. Not much "leading" going on either but you'll find it in the period repair info. The modern plumbophobes have taken care of that.