Keith

I used to use LX8 for floating candles and sometimes LX10 if I was out of LX8, these days because I stock all types of wick I use TL15 for them or TL18 for a slightly bigger flame.

I don't know if that will match your wax, I've never heard of 1260 wax, we don't have too many varieties of wax here in England, basically one each for paraffin pillar and container, soy pillar and container, this works well for what is needed, I've never seen the need for any more than one wax for each group.

Having said that though perhaps I can mention off topic that I have developed and am now marketing a softer paraffin container wax which has 99.9% eliminated the wet spot problem, I've also done the same with soy container wax. I can now make glass containers without a wet spot in sight ! The beauty of it is that the soy is still 100% natural, no paraffin products near it :-) plus it is guaranteed to be GM free, something we all want in these days of corporate greed.

Keith

Most fragrances throw better when they're hot so the bigger the melt pool the greater the throw, if you have a narrow candle, say 25mm, then you won't get as good a throw as you do with a 75mm or 100mm one. The next problem is down to physics, we all know that heat rises, if you have a narrow candle then all the fragrance will be carried upwards with the heat and only after the flame is extinguished is the fragrance able to spread around at a lower level. All this is only assumption, it's many years since I did physics at school but it was one of my fave subjects ... anyway, I'm making assumptions but it could certainly be a contributory factor. One other thing, are you allowing the melt pool to develop fully? let the candle burn for 1 hour for each 25mm of diameter after that you should be getting a nice throw.

Funkeymonkey, you mentioned blowing out your candle. I don't know if you were just using that as a generic term for putting your candles out or whether you actually do blow them out but if so can I give you a tip and also one to all others the do this. Never, ever blow a candle out, first off you can blow molten wax all over the place, secondly you get that dreadful smoking that stinks the room out and thirdly it leaves your wick brittle and liable to snapping and you know what happens if the wick is too short when you light it ... it drowns. The only correct way to extinguish a candle is to take a small implement and dip the wick into the melt pool then lift it back out again. This action rewaxes the wick for relighting, keeps it supple so it doesn't break off, stops the smoking and of course you don't spray wax everywhere. Oh, and the other no-no is using snuffers, they are just about as bad as blowing the candle out.

I hope that's helped a lot of noobs, I'm sure the diehard chandlers amongst us already know about what I've just mentioned.

Good luck with your throw funkeymonkey and if you are making narrow candles, less than 50mm then have a go at a wider one or make one in a container, maybe a jar or tin, where you get a full melt pool and see if that helps your situation. Please keep us informed as to your results !

Keith

keith' date=' if only lol.

I use bt yahoo browser and the bookmarks bit is pants!

its in no order whatsoever, and unless I can remember the exact names of sites, I can't find them, if I can remember the names I don't need to bookmark them lol[/quote']

Ahhh you're using BT Broadband, I used to use their modem until I got myself a nice wireless router. I hate the idea of branding, why should people inflict their choices on me so I bypassed the BT Yahoo browser during installation and just carried on using IE, it's much easier. On that topic acutally IE is forced on us too by Uncle Bill, I used to use Netscape instead of IE, that is until the worst of the worst internet providers, AOL, bought Netscape, that did it for me ... if it says AOL on it anywhere at all then it sux big big time, AOL is just about THE worst you can get .....

sorry to harp on and sorry to drift off topic ...

Hi Keith,

My birthday is next month too so Yvette had a great idea asking for birthday presents of candle stuff. I will be doing the same. Pity about the Palm though but who knows what you will get in the future.

Keep us up to date with what you get in.

Cheers.

Lisa:D

On the subject of keeping you informed as to new stuff and also on the topic of palm wax, have you tried mottling oil? that may give a similar effect to the palm wax and I've just got some in. It's not on the site yet but I'll get it up either tonight or tomorrow all being well.

lmao' date=' who needs jewels and furs when you can have wax

oh and keith, why not put your website link on your profile, I keep forgetting what it is.[/quote']

You know what, that's an excellent idea ! I'll go and do it now.

but... but.... why don't you use the bookmark in your browser ?

ok i know im cheeky but hey a girls gotta try lol

will have mooch round site on sunday and see what new goodies you have

Yep you're right, I forgives ya !

I'll look out for you on Sunday

Keith

how about we ask for a discount for UK CT members lol well it cant hurt to try eh

Oooo cheeky monkey my prices are already lower than virtually anywhere else plus there's a promotion on for all past customers until the end of May, if you're in that group you will have had an email with a discount code. If you're not then grab a bargain anyway ! I've just dropped the wax prices, I genuinely believe they're the lowest you'll find at the moment, if you know of cheaper for the same high quality wax then let me know and I'll do my best to beat it for you, hows that for a discount!

I've got new stock going up tomorrow, 4oz and 8 oz tins, candle lighters, votive boxes, glass tumblers in 2 sizes and roly poly votive glasses, lots more top quality FO's coming very soon.

hi keith' date='

i have a list of things I want with my birthday money and its trying to get them mostly from the same place to save on shipping.

Mind you, my list keeps increasing every day lolol[/quote']

Well I have the one stop shop ! What more could you want, everything under one roof and all on the same van and if there's something you want that I don't have just ask .....

lolol' date=' I've just sat going through your site keith before I saw your post and put some glue on my list.

Your wax pricing are quite comparable, but the shippings killing me at the mo, so I'm trying to make up for that with other items

My birthday next weekend and I'm having wax and moulds lol[/quote']

I thought my shipping was one of the cheapest around, £9.40 for up to 25kgs though I think I've found another courier that's cheaper, they just don't always get the stuff there in 24 hours when that service is paid for ....

Keith

Hi All, I bought some sticky wax at www.fullmoons-cauldron.co.uk They have wax buttons and a sticky wax block. The block was what i bought and it worked a treat and lasted Just melt and go;-)

I originally got some from there ages ago, found it was VERY expensive in comparison so i set out to make my own recipe and now I sell it through the site, same link as Ian just gave -http://www.candelights.co.uk/supplies/misc_supplies.html and it's currently on special offer, £1.50 for 50g, which goes a long way but you don't melt it as stated above, use it as it comes, simply scrape the wick sustainer along the block to get a small amount on it then press into the mould or tealight etc

Keith

Thanks Ian' date=' will take a look at their site.

I've got the gel colouring, but never thought about the fragrance [/quote']

The fragrance problem is twofold, firstly the flashpoint has to be right then there's the polarity. Basically if it's wrong you get pools of fragrance in your oil that hasn't dissolved into the wax, these will set on fire with disastrous consequences. It's vitally important to have the right FO's for gel ....

Keith

Hi Keith.................OK you've made me feel a little guilty. But in my defence I have never taken wax from you, and as this thread is about wax it would have been wrong of me to endorse your wax.

However if anyone is looking for a truly awesome buttery vanilla FO I think that Keith's Luscious vanilla is possibly the best in the world. I'm ordering more soon.

I'm pleased that you have made some progress on the FO development but not surprised you've hit a few snags, it's quite a complex area. Keep at it you will get there.

Ian

There is answer to the wax situation ... buy some from me !! I only stock THE best ...... Sasol paraffin waxes, both block and bead, the natural wax I carry is EcoSoya and works out an lot less than Sasol's soya+. I also do large quantities and wholesale which offer massive reductions on 1 or 5 kg prices and of course no VAT ... so all round a good deal, the only problem I see is that I'm in Lancashire and you're in Yorkshire ......

thanks Ian' date=' thanks keith

I'll take a look. I need some vanilla actually. couldn't find your postage rate anywhere keith, can't I see for looking?[/quote']

It shows as soon as you add something to the cart. It's also on the T & C page.

Basically, if you're order is under 2kg then it's shipped by Royal Mail and if over then it's overnight courier unless you're on the Isles or in Ireland when it's 48 hour delivery. All charges are at cost, no profit is made from postage unlike the horrensous postage charges you see on Ebay ....

Keith

Hi and welcome, another fellow Brit to add to the board - there's getting to be quite a few of us now!!!

I've found on line stores to be the best for getting equipment and i have three favourites!!!

For wax and additives - http://www.craftwiseuk.com/acatalog/candlemaking.html

They sell wax in large quantities and it's amazing how fast it goes!!! LOL - It's good paraffin wax in beaded form and they have free postage over £10 which is great (and usually pretty fast as well)!!!

For general bits and bobs - http://www.4candles.co.uk/ and http://www.candelights.co.uk/

Both have a nice range of bits and bobs, great customer service and fast delivery.

These two http://www.soapbasics.co.uk/

and http://www.sensoryperfection.co.uk/store/Default.asp are great too, sensory perfection has a massive range of great scents, though her ebay store (of the same name) is even cheaper. She's very nice and great to deal with.

Anyway hope that gives you some starters. As for making containers. You can buy special container wax (some of the stores above have some) or you can add microcrystalline soft to paraffin wax so it sticks better to the sides. This is on my list of things to try, but i think it would be easier to use an additive than to buy extra wax!

Anyway hope that helps!!!!

Candelights is also good for all kinds of wax, a wide range of wicks, colours, liquid and chip, fragrances and moulds and containers as well as the bit and bobs mentioned.

We offer great rates for postage ( at cost ) and same day despatch.

Keith

http://www.candelights.co.uk

Hi there xx, I'm quite new to the wax melters society but being based in Yorkshire I've shopped around for my wax and things. Bare in mind that in the UK you will not find local sources with the range of options that those lucky people Stateside have.

I get my wax and wicks etc. from http://www.4candles.co.uk/ . Their products are very good, delivery is cheap and fast, 2 working days. Check out their site, pillar blend paraffin is £11.45 for 5 kg. I mainly use a 50/50 mix of paraffin and soy+ for my container candles. Soy+ I find to be very good. I've just received a delivery of 5kg paraffin, 5kg Soy+ and 4 kg of container paraffin that I'm going to mix with the soy. I ordered other things also and the postage was £8.99.

As to your question on gel wax, I'm certain that you can't mix it with other waxes. The dye you use should be the liquid type and if you add fragrance you must add one that is approved for gel wax. Having stated this I have never used gel wax..........YET.

Keep it up and good melting.

Ian

Hey Ian .. when are you going to start plugging me ? I was wondering why business was dropping

Oh by the way, I had mixed results on the fragrance cloning, the sample manager is looking at the formula again, she reckons they should be exaclty the same but clean cotton, baby powder and fresh cut roses were miles from what they should be. Having said that the lavender and strawberry are fantastic, I've never had better

Keith

Put me down for some Clean Cotton Keith. Incidentally, will you be offering this range at the same prices as your current offer?

BTW I notice you've reduced the price of your soy wax. Getting closer to me ordering a few kg's from you.

Ian

I'm hoping they'll be cheaper but I haven't got a price from the manufacturer yet.

Certainly Ian, I'll send you a sample when it comes in.

I found a better supplier on the soy so I was able to pass on the reduction.

Keith

Incidentally, how do I get these posts to put carriage returns in? I have to edit every post before I post it adding in the paragraph opening and closing tag, any clues?

The Luscious Vanilla oil is without doubt growing on me. I have decided that the aroma is like a freshly opened packet of butterkist sweetened popcorn, if you know what I mean. It is very strong, without doubt the strongest UK bought FO I've tried. I've had to put the 6" pillar I made with it into a polythene bag as it is making me feel hungry. I've burnt one of the votives that I made and although it is a little early there is certainly a goodly amount of fragrance from it.

On the r&d side, if the manufacturer is starting from scratch I feel that your estimate of 2 to 3 weeks to produce a core range could be a little optimistic. In fairness I know nothing of the manufacture of FO's but if I was setting this up I would not accept less than the best as this would compromise your range and create potential customer dissatisfaction.

Ian

I know just what you mean about Butterkist !! my other half doesn't agree though, she's from Atlanta and of course popcorn there has to be salted rather than sweet or it would seem to be a common American liking, but yes, it is a strong aroma and very similar to the smell of Butterkist.

The 2 or 3 week time span was given to me by the sampling dept but it isn't for a core range, this will be about 6 simple oils, lavender, baby powder, clean cotton etc, nothing with complex layers, those will come later over time, first off I just want to get a basic range together that will be as good as can be bought in the US without the extra expense.

Keith

Thanks everyone for the info on waxes and sorry again for taking the discussion away from fragrances. I am trying to find a new supplier for my wax but am trying to still get the extact same wax(salsol) so i dont have to go through testing all over again.

Victoria - I hope I'm not jumping the gun but have you had a look at my site? I carry Sasol beaded paraffin wax (4137) and although I don't have any paraffin container in stock at the moment that is changing in the next week or two.

Keith

http://www.candelights.co.uk

To be honest it's hard to think of fragrances i specifically want, i usually just see what there is and choose from that!!!

I do love the aniseed smell though, and lily of the valley and spearmint!!!!

And so it shall be !! Give me a week or three to arrange it

Thanks for the suggestions Ian, I was sort of going down the road of research and design, as you say there are so many US oils it would be insane to try to clone them.

Regarding the oils you purchased only the fresh cut roses is from the US, the other two are from my manufacturer here, you actually chose two of their better oils, some of them do leave a lot to be desired, which is why I want them to make up new ones.

Keith

Hi guys

At the risk of being repetitous I will stock the oils you want, just tell me what it is and it will magically appear on the website ! Inside the next 3 weeks I will be starting to stock oils from a UK manufacturer that will equal those from the US in quality and be lower in price, so drop in and tell me what your favourite oils are.

Ian - what was your opinion ? I feel confident that you happy.

Thanks all

Keith

http://www.candelights.co.uk

Thanks for that Ian.

Blimey, this thread has grown in one day! Ian, if you're interested in different oil than the ones I have then let me know where you interest lies, I'm happy to get anything into stock if people want it ! and I can get any oil made here in the UK that's as good if not better than those of the US. Hard to believe I know but it's true. I'm starting to stock them in about 2 or 3 weeks time and they will have a separate listing to avoid confusion with the current range.

Can you expand on the throw rating request, I'm not sure how you want it defined.

Thanks

Keith

Thanks for the mensh Sugarysweet !

I am indeed extending the FO range dramatically in the coming weeks. I have found a UK manufacturer that can rival the US FO's easily and of course the prices will be as low as they always are on my site.

For those who may be interested we are also supplying wholesale both candles and candle making supplies.

Keith

Candelights

http://www.candelights.co.uk

http://www.craftinsurance.co.uk

Keith