LPENDA

I agree.

On this board some folks are more proficient at repeating info from manufacturing sites, rather than actually presenting new and reproduce-able results.

As I recall that is the hallmark of new data.

L

Quick suggestion:

Try CD wicks w/ 464. We've had luck with these.

Also, if you need to firm it up, add a second wax to the blend.

"I post here because of my passion for candlemaking, learning and helping others. At least I try to assist and discuss - and you contributed what? to this discussion other than making aspersions about my choice of apparel? Frankly, I don't much care for your attitude either, dear."

Stella, sweetheart, I was obviously not alluding to your clothes. The reference was to Hans Christian Andersen's story. Many of us are not the rubes you treat us as. Your condescension is patronizing and totally unnecessary to any discussion. This is a pattern in your posts. I don't post on the board often because I have already shared my experiences and see no need to be redundant.

I think Top's statement was earnest, valid and worth sharing. I thought it was very rude of you to treat him as you did.

Top-

I'm in TOTAL agreement with you.

The Emperor is not only naked, she has an arrogant attitude which is counter to the potential assistance she might share.

Have tried both wicks and can find no appreciable difference in 464 or blends we use.

LPenda

:)Possible explanation:

Heat rises...including warm air w/ scent.

Your time line sounds right to me and, more importantly, sounds like you've handled the business side as well. Do you have a business plan?

Concerning your formulation- Don't think anyone ever feels it is "perfect". We all tweak as prices/wax lots/scents change. R & D is constant. Sigh...

Getting your feet wet is hard sometimes if you're detail oriented. (I am!)

Dot the I's, cross the T's and jump... the water's fine. Trust me.

BEST OF LUCK TO YOU!!

P.S. Many of the folks here will gladly offer you an advice "float" if you feel you're sinking. They have my gratitude.

Ditto.

Regarding wax/wick use recommendations at various sites:

It has been my experience that these guidelines are frequently inaccurate. Might be good starting points, however, I've yet to find a dependable guide. I suspect this is because of the large number of potential variables concerning variations in wax lots, specific fragrance and/or dye idiosyncrasies, temp. and jar condition differences. The list goes on and on.

VERY frustrating because it would seem like a simple process. Folks here are very generous with their hard-earned knowledge and have saved me lots of time and money.:smiley2:

Just my thoughts...I know in the beginning I trusted the "guides" because that seemed to make sense. However, my most accurate knowledge came from tips here and trial and error.

My advice is to listen to Kristi. She is the 464 Master and has brilliant tips with this wax. If you do a search (464) and look for her name, you will find VERY helpful comments that will save you many hours and lots of money.

Thanks, Kristi!:highfive:

Linda

No. You're not silly.

You are learning, as we all do. Some valuble information can be discovered through trial and error. Read as much as you can on the boards about your wax and wick choices and it will save you much time and money.:highfive:

Folks-

Everyone's input is valuable. I think most of us take direction from this conversation, not finite answers. That's what I was originally looking for.

The closer we get in the initial testing, the less product and time expended.:smiley2:

I believe the ones from Candle Science (CSN) are made for use specifically in palm wax, aren't they? That might account for some of the difference?

It's my understanding that CDs and CDNs are more foumulated for soy usage.

That's great to know!

Thanks for taking the time to help me. I really appreciate the input.

How lovely of you to try to help me Stella!

I have found most manufacturer's and distributor's sizing guides totally ineffective information. It might be because of the configuration of wax that we use, but I have yet to find a resource that was anywhere near accurate for our needs.

Obviously, any alterations to any candle must be tested. However, all the information I have received is very valuable, in that, the correct wick size can be approximated more accurately. The fewer test candles it takes for me to get to the right size wick, the less time and money expended in that process. Very simple economics really.

Thanks so much, Stella.

Every step saved is money saved. 8-)

On average if a candle requires a CD 20, for example, would it take a CDN 20 as well?

Or does the coating bring it up or down size wise in comparison? Trying to find a starting point.

Much thanks!

Thanks, Meridith. You saved me some time!

Linda:wink2:

Tons of time. Started w/ the 10 and it is perfect. Thanks so much!

Thanks, Meridith. You saved me some time!

Linda:wink2:

Trying to ball park equivalent for testing: HTP 93= CD?

Any educated guesses out there?

Much thanks!

Citrus Pomegranate: Poor

Actually, we use a proprietary blend in the summer. All soy based, no paraffin. :smiley2:

Frangipani - Excellent!

Blackberry Sage- Good

Thanks for replies.

So far mixed bag:

Strawberry blows you out of the room at 1/2 the normal rate I use in this line of FO. There is less mushrooming.

Blue Denim strong, but not as strong.

Have several more to test, but have to concentrate on orders now.

Nothstar offers "Ultra-Strong Fragrance Oils". They state the oils can be used at a lower rate (1/2) w/equal throw to regular oils.

If, in fact, this is true then what affect would this have on mushrooming and/or sooting issues that sometimes come up? Too much oil can cause both of these problems.

And, is the HT the same using this lower rate?

Hmmmm...working with it now and will report back. Anyone have any experience with these?

Not to worry! Success breeds jealousy.

Enjoy your victory and don't let the little people get you down.

"There are only two kinds of people in the world:

people who succeed and people who criticize people who succeed."

M. McMillian