kat88

Thanks everyone for the input! I've been happy with the RRDs, but why not mix it up a bit, huh! It'll satisfy my curiosity to compare. I've never ordered from CS before, and will give them a try. Thanks for checking on the quality issue. And I think I'll throw in some Lovespell with my order for Valentines Day...

I've used their Love Spell and really like it. My daughter said it was good but not close enough to the real Love Spell (her signature scent) to her liking.

I don't know if this was mentioned because I didn't read all through the pages but... use care when using a drill of any kind. The wax it thick and sticky compares to wood or metal shavings. Wax wont come back up the threads as you drill like other materials so you have to back out every so often and clean the wax off the bit.

Thank you! I was trying to think of everything to consider when drilling candles as I don't want to destroy my hard work!

okay, I was having trouble finding any tutorials on how to do this.

What are tips and tricks for drilling wick holes in a candle if you want to use a candle mold that does not have a wick hole drilled in it.

how do you ensure that the hole is straight? do you use a drill?

do you pour a few drops of wax?

Can you stick a metal rod (is this a wick pin?) into the wax and pull out when it has hardened and then insert a wick?

More questions I know. I always have a million.

Thanks a lot!

I am so glad I came across this post. My boyfriend, just last night, suggested using his drill press to drill the wick holes. He's seen how frustrated I get when I take such care to get the pre-tabbed wicks or wick screws centered and actually look like they are. Just to find out later that they are not centered from top to bottom...AAAHHH! LOL

I would have never thought candle making would be so difficult. I have such a deep appreciation to you chandlers out there that are willing to give us newbies advice and guidance. Thank you this board is great.

I got the bug to make candles after a weekend getaway to a small town and found the cutest line of candles and I thought I can do this.... little did I know that there are soo many variables to get a quality candle. I have been making and TESTING candles for over 2 months now and honestly still do not know when I will ever be comfortable enough to sell these candles.... It is a dream of mine to sell but we shall see. Everyone keeps asking me when I will start selling? who knows? I think I have finally got the wicking figured out on my 8 oz mason to a cd 12/14 and my 16 oz mason down to CD 16/18( with GW 444) but my dang colonial jars are kicking my butt.... I have tried Eco 10-12-14, double wicked with SB #2 and #4. CD 20-22, LX 22- 24 and HTP's .....ok you get the point I have tried about 20 different combos still HUGE mushrooms, poor MP, deep MP, etc... ok I need to stop typing or this will soon be a novel, Thanks for letting my RANT. I off to do more testing.... maybe one day I will have a sucess story.

P.S. I am no where near ready to give up I do have fun making candles!

Ditto!!! Thank you to all that have provided the wonderful information, tips, trials and errors, etc. I'm still new to this but, I absolutely love candle making. Even if I don't end up selling my candles, I have plenty of candles to last my home quite a while! I love candles burning in my home, it's romantic and serene. I got so tired of buying candles from stores and having them burn completely down in 2-3 hours so, I thought why not make my own. Little did I know there were so many variables but I find it relaxing and fun experimenting and the light bulb going off thinking, wow, what if I tried....

I am new to candlemaking and started out with GB 444 container wax. I really like this wax and candle making.

I'm wanting to make pillars and just ordered GB 416 & 474. I found a couple places that state 474 can be used for pillars but I want to be sure and safe! Can either 416 or 474 be used for pillars or do you think I could try blending them w/another wax and/or adding stearic in order to make pillars/freestanding candles?

Thank you for your help!

Kathy

I made my first batch of votives (3 oz. Dixie cups) yesterday with GB 474. When I unmolded, they literally slid effortlessly out of the mold and have a beautiful creamy smooth texture! I love this wax! I used straight 474 to test. I will let you know more when I add FO and color. There was no need for re-pour on all but one and that was one I deliberately left unwicked. I'm going to try my boyfriend's drill press for ease of wicking and will let you know how that turns out. I'm going to work on a recipe to try this wax for pillars. I think this can be accomplished with some work and experimenting...will keep you posted.

Hello! I know y'all probably have seen this question a lot of times, im sorry...lol....But i was thinking about trying some 474 for tarts ( not clamshell) what do y'all think about this wax...good...bad...scent throw...frosting...LOL!? thanks in advance! ~Jessica~

I made my first batch of votives (3 oz. Dixie cups) yesterday with GB 474. When I unmolded, they literally slid effortlessly out of the mold and have a beautiful creamy smooth texture! I love this wax! I used straight 474 to test. I will let you know more when I add FO and color. There was no need for re-pour on all but one and that was one I deliberately left unwicked. I'm going to try my boyfriend's drill press for ease of wicking and will let you know how that turns out.

Hello! Hopefully someone can point me in the right direction lol...alright i was using v-1 for my tarts....now i am switching....i was gonna go with 474 but i am thinking ecosoya pillar too cant make up my mind ...so lol what do you like?! I need to place a order asap too LOL! I appreciate any help

I made my first batch of votives yesterday with GB 474. When I unmolded, they literally slid effortlessly out of the mold and have a beautiful creamy smooth texture! I love this wax! I used straight 474 to test. I will let you know more when I add FO and color. There was no need for re-pour on all but one and that was one I deliberately left unwicked. I'm going to try my boyfriend's drill press for ease of wicking and will let you know how that turns out.

I ordered some Golden Brands 416 & 474. It should be here today so, I'll let you know what I find out.

I made my first batch of votives yesterday with GB 474. When I unmolded, they literally slid effortlessly out of the mold and have a beautiful creamy smooth texture! I love this wax! I used straight 474 to test. I will let you know more when I add FO and color. There was no need for re-pour on all but one and that was one I deliberately left unwicked. I'm going to try my boyfriend's drill press for ease of wicking and will let you know how that turns out.

I use and like the CSN wicks. I'm new (about 7 batches now) but was quite surprised how well my very first batch turned out and burn times. I use CSN 7 or 9 for my votives, CSN 12 for 2-1/2-3" round or square. The are a cotton flat braid and pretty much self trimming, nice flame and curl.

I am new to candlemaking and started out with GB 444 container wax. I really like this wax and candle making.

I'm wanting to make pillars and just ordered GB 416 & 474. I found a couple places that state 474 can be used for pillars but I want to be sure and safe! Can either 416 or 474 be used for pillars or do you think I could try blending them w/another wax and/or adding stearic in order to make pillars/freestanding candles?

Thank you for your help!

Kathy

I ordered some Golden Brands 416 & 474. It should be here today so, I'll let you know what I find out.