itseng

I just purchased 2lbs of 464 and C-3 each from Flaming Candle to test the mixing, and will wick down to the CW-20 and CW-30 for more testing! And as it turns out, I did start noticing some things about the wood wick an hour after I posted my original question. The wick seemed to have a little tunnel/crater around it, and air bubbles. Some of which actually started bubbling up to the surface at a rapid pace! The melt pool also doesn't come close to the edges of the jar, even after 4 hours. Hopefully this is all something that mixing some soy in can help with.

Hi all!!! New to this site/forum and candle making. I've seen a small handful of comments or threads about the Cottonwood wicks from Northwood, but wanted to see if I could get any further info/advice. I've got 4 candles so far that I've tested. For reference, the candles are in 9oz straight sided jars (2.88" D and 3.5" H), using the coconut apricot wax from Lab and Co (Woodenwick). Out of the 4 candles I've tested so far, 2 have been with wood wicks, 1 with a Cottonwood CW-40, and 1 with a Small Ribbon Wick. The wood wicks seem to be burning great - I've never burned one before so this is just based off of research. The Ribbon Wick seems to also be doing well. My issue is with the Cottonwood. I really want to like them - the flame is beautiful and so unique when lit. However, a little before hour 3 of my burns, the flame starts getting really tall and sooting like crazy. I did see someone on here say that they should be self trimming if taken care of properly, but I am trimming them pretty short before lighting.. Is there something even more specific that I should be doing to prevent the sooting and large flame? I also read that there were a few others out there with the same issue. Someone suggested sizing down, but the wick already seems kind of slow burning compared to the Ribbon and Wood wick, so I'm unsure on that. The scent throw isn't really that great in comparison either. Is the real issue that I need to size down, and the ribbon and wood wick are actually too large for the vessel? Any and all advice on the wicks would be GREATLY appreciated - not just on the Cottonwood wicks, but on anything! I'm not making these candles to sell, but I want them to be well made since I'm considering making some for gifts.