Jump to content

Jenn-MN

Members
  • Posts

    16
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Profile Information

  • Location
    Western Wisconsin

Converted

  • Makes
    candles

Recent Profile Visitors

The recent visitors block is disabled and is not being shown to other users.

Jenn-MN's Achievements

Newbie

Newbie (1/14)

20

Reputation

  1. I have been noticing I have to trim my wicks really short when I go for my second or later burns with my test candles (in 8oz tins). I was seeing a LOT of flares and tall dancing wicks (even when I pre-trimmed to a little under 1/4"). I also noticed wisps of smoke as the candle burned. I under wicked my smaller test jars and the first burn went well enough (though I haven't tried my second burn with those yet). I should share the wick size for the 8oz tins (usually I use ECO 12 and 14 in my tins -- depending on FO and amount of color used). I think I tested these down to an ECO 10, but would have to confirm that at home. @wthomas57- Thanks for your continued testing and being willing to share your findings!
  2. @Crafty1_AJ - I appreciate the thought, but I am comparing the same FO in GB-464 and that has great CT (with same fragrance load). When I burned the Q210, it does have a HT - but not overly impressed by it. I really do love how the Q210 looks once it cools. I get really smooth, shiny tops and no frosting (though I had quite a few wet spots). I just can't justify doubling my FO to make a candle that throws the same as my GB-464. I am bummed because I so wanted to LOVE this wax. I will wait for the Q220 and Q230 to come out and I will try those.
  3. I just stuck my face in my bag of Q210 wax - ewwww that stuff stinks! I didn't notice a chemical smell on my first batch of test candles - however this time as I stirred in my FO, I smelled an intense petroleum or chemical smell (different from the intense, almost rancid smell in the bag of wax)! The candles are cooling now, and when I went to check on them and leaned in for a sniff I noticed the chemical smell wasn't as strong (though I could not smell the FO either LOL). Tonight's pour was with 10% FO - hopefully I will have CT when they cure.
  4. I pour in really small batches, and I don't do the eye protection or respirator. I only use soy wax (generally GB464) - I think if I used paraffin I would change some of my habits to protect myself more. It sounds like you are taking great caution - well done! I DO wear shoes and old clothes (that aren't too loose fitting). I ALWAYS UNPLUG EVERYTHING when I am done for the night (and I never leave the glue gun or heat tool plugged in unless I am using them at that moment). I have rubbing alcohol and paper towels always within reach (for FO spills and to wipe my hands and FO bottles after I pour the FO). I store my FO bottles in cabinets in the craft room (this room was an old kitchen, so I have great storage) - the FO bottles are stored in covered plastic bins (to contain the smells) inside the cabinets. I DO inspect my bottles regularly because I have had some expand and look like they might explode. I store my bottles of dyes in an open box - the dyes tend to smell gross, but I am afraid that the chemicals in the dyes would become too concentrated and toxic or dangerous if they didn't get air. My wax is usually stored on the floor in the original case (closed) until it is about half gone, then I bag it up in 1 pound increments (so I know exactly how much I have left). I have been pouring candles for 4+ years and never had a chemical burn or wax burn (knock on wood). But that stinkin' hot glue has gotten me good on three occasions. When I am done pouring for the night (especially when the weather is chilly), I close the door to the craft room (to keep the room at an even temperature) and I don't return to the room until the next day. I don't use an open flames in my craft room -- ever! I have remelted in my oven and had no lasting indications I had done such (no lingering scent or anything). I do use a cookie sheet to catch any drips and in case a glass were to ever crack.
  5. @Candybee and @wthomas57 - thanks much. I am busy for the next week or so (so letting the candles cure longer will be just fine for me). I will also try to get a couple poured at 10% FO tomorrow night. The FO I used last time is one I use often (I like it - even if it never sells). Next pour I will try one of my favorite best selling FOs for comparison. Thanks y'all for restoring my hope I also look forward to trying Q220 when it is available.
  6. Thanks everyone! I used GB464 (and CS Very Vanilla), cooled to a loose slush, whipped (on or near low, I think) until the wax resembled ice cream (but far from firm), then I used an ice cream scoop (the kind with the thumb slide thing that helps release the ice cream), and I just kinda 'scooped' the wax. When it looked right I put it on wax paper to cool.I found the instructions online somewhere (years ago), so I don't take full credit for the idea. My plan was to pour into sundae cups, top with a scoop of wax ice cream and finish with a 'syrup' of sorts. But I noticed with another project that the colors eventually bleed together with GB464, so I stopped working on the project (until I could figure out how to keep the colors from bleeding together). Fast forward 3-4 years and I haven't gotten any further. LOL
  7. I whipped my wax with a really cheap mixer and an ice cream scoop that are only used for crafts. These turned out so stinkin' cute I have never been able to use them - LOL.
  8. One more thought - It looks like the wax you got from Amazon is from The Candle Makers Store. I would contact them and ask them for more information about the wax (brand and kind that they sell on Amazon - it might help you decide what to do with it). I order wicks from CS (Candle Science) off Amazon once - they were sold as Medium and CS doesn't list Medium on their website. CS was quick to get back to me with exactly what brand and size so I could use them properly.
  9. Golden Brands or Golden Wax 464 is a soy wax, as GoldieMN mentioned. I use it (and have since I started). When I began my candle adventures I ordered from Candle Science to start. I ordered my wax, wicks, dyes, and fragrances from them (they are still my go to for so many FOs and other things). They are a reputable and helpful company. I watched their videos and spent hours and hours reading fragrance reviews - I learned SO MUCH. I have also spent years lurking and reading and learning from these wonderful chandlers on Craftserver. Everyone is very nice and help as they can. I use the search tool to try and find related threads. Best of luck to you with your candles
  10. @njcurley - great information. Thank you for sharing. I have enjoyed my GB464 for years, but the issues this last year have left me looking for a new wax. After the holidays I will have to give Millennium a try. Though waiting for 115 might be too much for my ADHD to handle - LOL
  11. I noticed the 45lb case size, too. BCN is planning to carry these waxes and is within driving distance for me, so the new wax will probably end up costing me the same as the GB464 I order from RE. However, that being said, I think making candles is still going to end up costing me more because of the fragrance load! I usually use 6% FO for my candles and get really good (most times excellent) cold throw. I made my first 2 pound test of Q210 yesterday and I have almost no cold throw (24 hours later). Wax: Q210 with CS Bayberry (since I still have leftovers from last Christmas - both FO AND candles/melts for comparison). Even my DH said that there is maybe a third of the scent compared to my 464 candles made with CS Bayberry at 6%. YIKES -- this could get expensive if I have to load the candles with 18% FO. I am trying to wait at least 48 hours to light the candles, but I am half temped to melt it all back down and double the FO before I even move to the burn tests. I don't want to high-jack this thread, but I am curious about how testing is going for other chandlers. Would it be worth starting a thread for test results? I am new enough that I am not sure the protocol on starting new threads. Thnx. Jenn PS @CandleSmoak I use ECO wicks too
  12. What wick size did you start with? I just got my 210 in the mail today and poured 2 pounds to test (various jars and melts). I was surprised at how super shiny this wax is
  13. It is REALLY nice to know that I am not the only one who does candles between 10pm and 2am! Regarding shipping costs: I have a friend who lives 5 miles away (but a different zip code) - I ship to her house because I save a lot of $$ on shipping (especially heavy orders)! i probably save over $75 a year. She works in town, so she drives past my house daily. She is always willing to drop off my orders if I am not already waiting for UPS and FEDEX on her doorstep on delivery days.
×
×
  • Create New...