mwalls

Hi everyone, I have Ecosoya CB Advanced wax from Candlescience in NC. I use them because they are close which reduces my shipping charges. After my first attempt at candlemaking I noticed there was a cold cold throw of scent but absolutely no hot throw. So, I ordered a new FO from them that they advertised worked very well in sow. Made candles using this new FO, and still no hot throw. I have read many threads on this site about soy and hot throw. Some swear by CB 135 for hot throw but claim it does not make as nice of a looking candle. Others disagree. What if I called Candlescience and told them I am not getting a good hot throw and should it be mixed with another product or use another product? I have no reason not to trust Candlescience but is this a good way in getting a good answer and product that will get me good hot throw? Thanks, Matt

I am trying to attach pictures of the first candles I made. Everything went very smoothly. Thank you all for your advice. Without the advice I would not have purchased and used the wicksetter, or the wick tabs, and I would have tried to make pillars out of soy wax and they would now look like the leaning tower of Pisa. I plan to let them cure for another day and then burn one to see how it goes. So, thanks again everyone! http://www.mswalls.com/candle

I plan to attempt my first candle making this weekend. I will be doing soy wax in mason jars. I have read many, many posts on this site including the archives. I believe that I once saw a post that gave a calculation of water to wax. For example, I would fill the mason jar with water, weigh it to determine the weight of the water, and from that could calculate the weight of wax to melt. I cannot now refind that post. Has anyone else seen the post or are familiar with the calculation? Thanks, Matt

Thanks for the advice. I will probably go in for a wick setter. I started running through the CandleMakers Store for the wick stickers. I can get 100 Wick Stickers for $1.99. But, the shipping is like $14 UPS. They do say they can use USPS priority which will be cheaper. That is good but still 4 -5 times the price of the product. Any ideas? Has anyone else encountered this?

I recently posted to this site and received lots of help. Thanks to the answers I am not trying to pour regular soy wax into a pillar mold. One area that I also need help with is wicking, which never seems to get much attention in tutorials or instructions, but based upon the archives is a problem area. I have read enough to know to stay away from glue dots. I have read the virtues and drawbacks of HOT glue guns and silicone guns. From what I have read, I would like to try Wick Stickers from The Candlemakers Store, unless I hear some strong objection. Now, having said that, I still would like to seek some advice. 1. Candlescience sells a product called a Wick Setter for $20. Is this useful/necessary? 2. How do you get the Wick Sticker to the bottom of the jar and centered? 3. Do I just place the wick on the Wick Sticker, or do I use the metal wick assembly piece? 4. Does the wick sticker ever come out when the candle is burned?. I am asking this question for the reuse of jars. 5. If I use the wick sticker, do I stick and pour, or is there a setting period? I would really appreciate any advice that I can get on this subject. Thanks.

Stella, I bought "Ecosoya CB Advanced" Soy Wax from an outfit in Durham, North Carolina called CandleScience. Oddly enough, they do make soy wax that is intended to be used for pillars, but unfortunately I did not buy that kind. So, when I take my presto kettle back to Walmart (I originally bought one without a spigot), I will buy some Mason Jars. I called the company today and was directed to the place on the website for the specifications for the wax. I was also told to use about 3 to 3 1/2 inch diameter jar. Now I need to figure out what to do about wicking, which I am somewhat confused about. SoyCandleQueen recommended an EZ wick setter tool. CandleScience sells a wickbar, which probably is about the same thing. So, I will buy that. They also mentioned a glue gun. Is that what I use, and glue the wick to the bottom of the jar? I have never used a glue gun before. Any recommendations? I also plan to buy some of the soy wax made for pillars; or should I stick with parafin wax for pillars? Thanks for all of the suggestions and help! Matt

Okay, that stops me in my tracks. Thanks for the reply. Sounds like for my molds that I bought I need to get some parafin wax, and for my soy wax that I bought I need to get some containers. Any other items that I need to get?

Hi everyone, I have been lurking for a while, and recently joined and introduced myself about 2 weeks ago. I haven't made any candles yet, but I am gathering the supplies I think I need. I have ordered a presto kettle with spigot. I had actually bought a presto kettle at Walmart for about $25 less, but thought better of drilling the spigot myself. I also followed the link to find a candle supplies dealer near me (thanks for that link) and ordered: 10lbs soy wax Stearic Acid UV Inhibitor Vybar 3 scents(1 oz each) Wick assemblies 3 pillar molds Soy dye 100 wick tabs. Once my presto kettle arrives, am I set? I plan to make pillars. What else does anyone think I should have before I begin? Forgot, I also have a fire extinguisher (actually I have several), and will never, ever, have the presto above 200. Any thoughts on what I might need before I take the plunge? Thanks very much, Matt