6skis

I'm getting ready for my first attempts at tarts and votives as well. However, my 464 supplier doesn't carry 474, but they do have 416. Isn't 474 the same as 416 with USA added? Also, why doesn't 474 work well alone...is it a cracking top problem? Thanks....Mike

Hi All, Just made my first presto pot melter last night and it works great. The instructions in the General Information section (Candle Tech) are great, but I did get confused when buying the tools required to drill and tap the hole for the spigot. I've never worked with pipe before, so any plumbers out there feel free to correct me if any of this sounds wrong, but here's what I learned: 1. The U.S. classifies pipe threads as NPT (National Pipe Thread), but those threads can be either tapered (NPT) or straight (NPS). The tapered pipe threads create a tighter fit and are used to better protect against leaks. Accordingly, the hole drilled for NPT fittings is slightly smaller than the hole required for NPS fittings. The directions for the wax melter call for a 3/8" spigot, so here are the drill sizes for a 3/8 spigot with 18 Threads Per Inch (TPI), which is standard for what we're doing: NPT = 37/64" drill (.5781) NPS = 19/32" drill (.5937) 2. I used the NPT tap because I wanted the tighter fit to prevent any leaks. I also put teflon tape on all the fittings and everything works great with no leaks. 3. Total cost: Pot = $21.00 (Wal-Mart) Fittings = $12.00 (Home Depot) Tap and Drill = $12.00 (Enco - online) So this one cost me $45.00, but the tap and drill are reusable, so subsequent ones will only cost $33.00. 4. This was not hard to do and it sure beats the double boiler method I've been using prior to last night...well worth the time and money! Regards, Mike

Hi Folks, Of course you're all right - the residue is a small price to pay for a great candle. I'm going to try a few more things just for fun - I'll be sure to let you all know if I stumble across anything that helps. Thanks again, Ski

Has anyone figured out why 444/464 leaves a slight, but noticeable residue on the container sides after burning? I love this wax but the trace residue bothers me and I'm not sure how to correct it. I really don't understand it -the melt pool is good and the sides of the container feel hot, but I can definitely see the remains on the side after the jar cools. I don't seem to get the residue with 415, so does the additive (I think it's USA in 444/464) cause this? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Ski

Good info Geek - thanks. Also, do you know what the difference is between 444 and 464...is one "newer" than the other? Mike

Has anyone tried BW in 464? Maybe it would help with the softness and frosting....? Mike

Hi All, After months of testing I think I've decided to go with the CB 135 wax - I seem to get the most consistent results from this wax. I was wondering if anyone who uses this wax has had any luck with additives (BW, USA...) improving the performance and/or appearance. Thanks, Mike

I'm wondering if any of you experienced candle makers would share how you pour your candles. I'm still pretty new at this, but I think I may be using an extra step. Currently, I melt my wax in a melting pot, add FO and dye in a separate can and then add the wax to the can. Then I pour the wax from the can into my pre-wicked glass container. I tried pouring directly into the jar, but it's difficult to mix the wax with the scent and dye in the jar without dislodging the wick. If I mix the scent and dye with the wax in the melting pot, then I have to clean the pot every time I change scent/dye. Is there a standard way of doing this or do most have their own preferred way? Thanks, Mike

Wow - thanks to everyone for the advice. Looks like I have some more testing to do! Thanks again...Mike

Thanks Carrie, I posted on the soy board. Mike

Hi All, I'm new to the site (and candle making) and have a question regarding wicks to use w/ Golden Brands 444 wax. I've tried LX, CD, HTP and ECO wicks and have manged to throughly confuse myself in the process. I like the ECO and LX series, but I'm having trouble getting a full melt pool in a 2.5 in, 8 oz jar. The ECO 6 and 8 produce too big a flame, but the 4 doesn't melt the edges. The LX 16 and 18 also leave wax on the edges, but I'm afraid to go bigger and get too big a flame. Also, has anyone had sink hole problems w/ Golden Brands 444? I pour at 175 and get some holes, is 175 too hot for pouring? Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks - Mike

Hi All, I'm new to this and have already tried a few different waxes. Has anyone tried Golden Brands 444? I've been using it and was wondering what other folks think of it. Other than sink holes, it seems to be a decent wax, and I think my sink holes are due to my pouring too hot (170 degrees). I'm also trying to decide between LX and ECO wicks, so I'm all ears if anyone has recommendations.... Thanks! Mike