c_gills

Thanks @TallTayl!

Hello fellow chandlers -

I recently read on their website that Keap uses beeswax to secure their wicks instead of wick stickers. I reached out to them to see if they'd be willing to share this technique. Their reply was a generic one directing me to Candle Science for candle making tips.

Has anyone heard of this or tried this before? Any ideas on how to do it?

18 minutes ago, CaptnKush said:

Ok finally someone who has one. Can you please elaborate on how the scent is mixed with this unit and any other things on how it all works.

I mix the fragrance in the pouring pitcher, as advised by Coogar. I'm happy to answer any specific questions! Also the Coogar company were really helpful when I talked to them on the phone before I purchased the unit.

On 11/7/2019 at 11:11 AM, candleco4w said:

Im looking at the Coogar Semi Elite - Anyone have experience with this one?

 @candleco4w I love my Coogar, her name is Mrs. Robinson. I've been using it about a year now and haven't had a single issue with it. It really boosted our production as well as candle quality. 100% recommend!

7 minutes ago, GarthAlgar said:

Totally.  And, you would get some nice back workouts from lifting 25 candles at once.  If you get some, keep us updated on how they do!

Guess I would have to do arms days any more 😜 Will do!

26 minutes ago, GarthAlgar said:

I've seen a few candle companies use those as well.  I imagine they stack nicely which could also help with cooling and proper airflow.  I just use a baking rack and transfer all of my candles to that.  Mostly because I have zero space in my basement studio.

Yup - I'm super low on space too. I think these might stack more closely together so that you can get more candles per rack as opposed to the bakers rack that you have to use the rails.🤔

16 minutes ago, Laura C said:

That's interesting and something to consider. Looks like a good idea as long as it doesn't adversely effect jar adhesion. Looks like it would allow the candles to cool slowly and evenly and maybe put a piece of cardboard over the top too. IDK, just thinking out loud. LOL

Thanks for the thoughts! The racks stack on top of each other and kind of lock into each other.

I'm guessing they're better for space and cooling... but would love to hear from someone that uses them

Hey All -

Has anyone noticed some larger indie candle companies starting to use restaurant glass racks for their candle cooling instead of bakers racks and trays? Any one else use them and have any feedback?

Thanks!!

On 1/7/2019 at 10:07 AM, strugglebrother said:

Hi Gills,

 

We bought the Primo150 but we are having problems with it. It takes a long time to melt larger amounts of wax (6 hours!!!) and the last 15lb of wax gets heated unevenly.

 

We are currently speaking with tech support about it, they claim this is not normal behavior, and are working on a fix.

 

I can report back if we can fix this if you want a proper review of it. If this can be fixed it seems like a really good melter, if not.. well

Interesting! I didn't have a good customer service interaction with waxmelters.com so I ended up purchasing the Coogar CS Semi Elite and eagerly awaiting it's delivery.

Good luck with the Primo issues! Hopefully it's just a simple malfunction.

I'll let you know how it goes with the Coogar.

Hi @strugglebrother! Which melter did you end up purchasing? I'm currently in the market and was looking at the same ones.

2 minutes ago, GoldieMN said:

And yet when I tried to get help from a supplier about one of their fragrance oils I had previously had good luck with but now is a dud, they said they were not aware of any changes in 464.  They sell 464 and even had to send me two new cases after I contacted AAK about the problems.  Ticks me off as now I wonder if any of their fragrance oils have been reformulated.  When I inquired, they said "no, none of them."  Can I trust them???

GoldieMN

That's reallllly frustrating! If you don't trust a supplier, it might be best to go somewhere else!

But talk about a rabbit hole! "Is it the wax? Is it the wicks? But wait, it could the reformulated FOs! Or the weather...? Have I ever even made a well burning candle????" 😨

1 hour ago, TallTayl said:

@c_gills  this whole soy issue has been total BS, hasn’t it? Not one more penny to GB/AkoSoy or their suppliers who tried to convince us the problem always US, not the wax. 

 

In the end, the soy industry shot itself in the foot. You can’t lie, ignore problems and expect customers to just follow along. It cost lots of us some incredible $ to find ways to once again make safe candles. People are turning to other, better waxes. Hopeful the trend continues. 

SUCH BS! I'm so frustrated. I wish I could switch to another type of veg wax, but haven't been able to find one that I can purchase from multiple suppliers. (**I'M OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS!**) And don't want to bank my business on a wax that I can ONLY buy from one place.

I'm definitely going to continue to take notes and pictures and speak up about the major inconsistencies.

3 hours ago, jerry said:

I have not see that video - lunch break viewing is now scheduled. It seems everyone on this board is certainly aware of the huge soy problems of 2017 - they have been so frustrating. That is great that CS is going to replace your 7 cases.

Yes, well, switch them out, and minus the one I already used in testing 🙄

https://www.candlescience.com/2017-soy-wax-industry-update

You all, did you see this video? I knew there were rumors, of sorts, but it have it stated by a supplier is reassuring.

I just had to stop all production for 3 weeks for testing of a new batch of GB444 and have been tearing my hair out. I used an entire case just for testing 😭, I'm not even going to think about the FO, containers, wicks...

Any ways, I contacted Candle Science and they are going to switch out my 7 cases of Lot 07/07/18 with a new one (they said they believe that Lot was problematic).

I had tunneling issues with my candles that I made during December using 444. The tunneling wasn't from bubbles in the wax, I think it was the wax itself. I heard through this forum that Golden Brands had a hydrogenator got out and had manufacture all of wax using only one. In turn, producing as much as they could, as fast as they could and possibly hurting quality. What is the production date of the wax you're using? I have one case left that was manufactured in December and am afraid to use it!

@olives and @Linds

For those having sink holes issues - have you tried stirring more gently and less, and then pouring very slowly? I use wick stickers too and have noticed bubbles around them, but when I pour more slowly and focus my pour on them, they usually float to the top by the end of the pour.

Hello @Mrserinlynn! Welcome! The "large salsa jar" from CS.com says it has a diameter of 3.5in and CS.com suggest an ECO14 wick for that size container. Here is a link to their wicking guide which is a good jumping off point for you to do your testing to get a good HT and well burning candle.

On 12/3/2016 at 7:11 PM, Jeuca said:

Thanks to everyone - I am new to the site and am learning so much.  I have only been working with candles for  six months, but sure have spent  lot of money testing. I use GB 444 and have had great luck, finally,  heating to 185, adding FO off heat at 185, and pouring at 100.  My 8 oz mason jars with EO 10 wicks are great.  However, I am now trying to add the 16 oz apothecary jars to make presents for friends, and am having trouble finding the right wick.  One challenge is that it has a 3.1 inch opening at the top, but the diameter at the base is 4 inches.  I'm testing with 10 oz NG French lavender - EO 14 way too big, 10 looks like it may also be too big.  Does anyone have suggestions?  Should I double wick with a smaller size?  I will be so appreciative for any suggestions.   

Hey Jeuca - Based on my experience with GB444 and the apothecary jar, you'll want to wick to the base diameter of 4" so the ECO 16 or 2 ECO 10 depending on your FO is best. Also, I pour between 150-140 depending on the ambient temp. Good Luck!