LRed

So far, I've tried Soy 125, 444, Cargill C-3, EcoSoya Q230 from Candlewic. Ordered 464 and 415 to try. I've been getting good MP with a cotton core wick. I don't know the size since the description doesn't say it (Viva Quality) made for votives and small containers. I made some votives and testing a C-3, C-4, RRD-29 and RRD-34. I ordered an LX wick sampler and ECO sampler to try too. I'm doing votives and 4 oz tins because they're more economical for now. I've tried adding FOs at higher temps (~170-180) and lower temps (150 and lower) with no discernible difference in HT. I've also ordered FOs from different manufacturers to see if some are more concentrated or work better. So far, I've only burn tested the Soy 125, 444 and EcoSoya Q230 waxes. I've tested (2 day curing-2 weeks) candles with no scent difference. Just poured the Cargill C-3 tonight so I have to wait to test that. Any combo to try would be much appreciated.

Definitely a science and an art! I haven't found a good location to test burn yet. My basement may be too cold, my living room with the air return, and the past week has been rainy and humid. I can't seem to catch a break! Cold throw for all my tests are great, just no hot throw. Tried different soy waxes, FOs, FO% (between 3-6%), FO addition temps, pour temps, wicks, molds and containers. AAAAARRRRRRRGGGGHHHHH! Will keep trying. I'm frustrated but determined at the same time. Thanks for the advice. Please keep them coming!

Hmmm, I've been test burning in my living room with 9 ft ceilings and there is an A/C return close by. I will definitely do the incense experiment and try testing in different locations. Thanks so much for the advice! I've been feeling very frustrated lately. I haven't found one soy/FO combo that has yielded a strong hot throw.

I'm new to candle making. Does anyone experience a "ring" of hot throw? I'm testing votives and it seems that at about 10 feet away, I smell the fragrance. However, when I'm within that 10 feet, I don't seem to smell anything. I would have thought I'd smell the fragrance more as I moved towards the candle. I've asked others what they smell and they seem to have the same experience. Help!

Thank you! I assumed this was the case but as I'm reading some posts, it didn't seem so clear cut as far as functionality and efficiency. I guess the answer is TEST TEST TEST??

Are wick diameters proportional to the increasing number or inversely proportional? i.e. is a cd12 bigger or smaller than a cd14?

Northwestern NJ, Long Valley.

Thanks so much! I'm also looking into votive shrink wrapping. Saw some pre-cut ones on Ebay. This might be a dumb question but how do you avoid melting the wax when heating the shrink wrap? Does the wrap shrink at a lower temp than the wax melting temp? It looked like it was close (~125 F).

Wondering if anyone has suggestions on where to get package boxes in bulk. Not for shipping. i.e. box to pack 6 votive sets. Thanks in advance.

Hello. I'm new to candle making and look forward to learning from you all!