Wick Selection Frustration Syndrome

[Quentin]

On 8/25/2018 at 11:33 AM, Laura C said:

 I greatly welcome constructive criticism and advice, that's how I learn. Thanks.

My feelings exactly.

[pughaus]

On 8/18/2018 at 2:53 PM, Laura C said:

Yes, the wick information and wick charts on Wicks Unlimited's website is great. I recently called them and talked to the guy that does their candle and wick testing. He said the main thing to look at on their charts is the "Yield" column, which was what I had been doing. The Yield is very helpful for knowing which size to go to next for either wicking up or down. Per their site, "The higher the yield, the smaller the wick and the flame and the resulting heat generated." I printed their wick charts out and popped them in my different wick bags.  http://wicksunlimited.com/wicks/atkins-pearce-candle-wicks/atkins-pearce-performa-wicks/

 

Another great source for wick information and charts is Atkins & Pearce http://www.atkinsandpearce.com/

Here's the performa chart reorganized by Yield, from small to large.  I'm confused by their statement :  "The higher the yield, the smaller the wick and the flame and the resulting heat generated"  The flame height and rate of consumption data on their chart for several wicks below does not jive with that.

Edited September 8, 2018 by pughaus

[Laura C]

2 hours ago, pughaus said:

Here's the performa chart reorganized by Yield, from small to large.  I'm confused by their statement :  "The higher the yield, the smaller the wick and the flame and the resulting heat generated"  The flame height and rate of consumption data on their chart for several wicks below does not jive with that.

Hi @pughaus. Yes, I see what you are saying. Here's the thing, the Flame Height and ROC can vary depending on the wax, wax blend, scent, etc. used. The Yield of the wick stays the same no matter what. 

[TallTayl]

Yield is how many yards of wick per lb on the roll, not consumption. 

[TallTayl]

6 minutes ago, TallTayl said:

Yield is how many yards of wick per lb on the roll, not consumption. 

Those burn tests are usually based on a simple paraffin wax. 

[pughaus]

1 hour ago, Laura C said:

Hi @pughaus. Yes, I see what you are saying. Here's the thing, the Flame Height and ROC can vary depending on the wax, wax blend, scent, etc. used. The Yield of the wick stays the same no matter what. 

I get that but I am just re-posting their (A&P) test results which I have to assume is with the same wax in the same  test conditions.   But if this statement from the vendor is true: "The higher the yield, the smaller the wick and the flame and the resulting heat generated"  then the flame heights and ROC numbers should increase as you go down that chart I posted.  Instead they are all over the place.  What does it all mean???  😵

[Laura C]

16 hours ago, pughaus said:

Instead they are all over the place.  What does it all mean???  😵

LOL. I know, it can be confusing. I don't even pay attention to that info. anymore. I just look at the yield, it has been working out pretty well for me. 😮

[Quentin]

Greetings. Here we are again for another wick sizing question. All the wick selection guides have been helpful when I study and compare them side by side. However, they are all based on cylindrical molds and containers. How do you choose a wick size when you are using a mold or container that has a different or odd shape? I'm not talking about just square or octagonal. Those aren't too difficult. What if you have, for example, an oval that is 6 inches one direction and only 2.5 inches the other way? How about a pyramid shape or a silicone mold that is shaped like a figurine with an irregular shape? What do you do then? 

[TallTayl]

For ovals I would double wick

 

for figurines, well I stopped making them since no wick really burned them all that great. 

[Laura C]

11 hours ago, Quentin said:

What if you have, for example, an oval that is 6 inches one direction and only 2.5 inches the other way? 

Hi @Quentin. For an oval container you could try Ribbon Wicks, Cottonwood Wicks or Wood Wicks as double wicks since they cover more area. Please post your wick results for the oval container, I'm real curious to hear how it turns out.

https://www.northwoodcandlesupply.com/collections/candle-wicks/products/ribbon-wick-sample-pack

http://www.atkinsandpearce.com/candle-solutions/product-pages/cottonwood-wick/

https://www.northstar3c.com/shop/Category/CottonWood-Wicks

https://www.northstar3c.com/shop/Category/Wooden-Wicks

https://www.northwoodcandlesupply.com/collections/candle-wicks/products/sample-pack-wood-wick

 

[Quentin]

52 minutes ago, Laura C said:

For an oval container you could try Ribbon Wicks, Cottonwood Wicks or Wood Wicks as double wicks since they cover more area.

Wood  wicks as double wicks. Yes. I've got bags full. Never dawned on me. I'' give that a try. I think @TallTayl is probably right on the figurines. Throw all your wicks in a bag, close your eyes, reach in and grab one. I am inclined to think of something with a tin core when it  comes to the figurines and silicones. 

[Laura C]

47 minutes ago, Quentin said:

Wood  wicks as double wicks. Yes. I've got bags full. Never dawned on me. I'' give that a try. 

Cool, be sure to let us know what happens.

[Quentin]

On 9/18/2018 at 12:40 PM, Laura C said:

For an oval container you could try Ribbon Wicks, Cottonwood Wicks

First I've heard of these two types of wicks, or maybe I call them something else. I'll check out those links. You must have a list of links as big as a phone book. For you younger guys and gals who may not remember, a phone book was a..... Oh never mind!

[Laura C]

7 minutes ago, Quentin said:

You must have a list of links as big as a phone book. For you younger guys and gals who may not remember, a phone book was a..... Oh never mind!

LOL, yes, I know what a phone book is. And yes, I have a ton of bookmarks. Those wicks are flat and wide by the way.