jen08

Okay...now what? I've burned the testers most of the way down...some have much more wax left in them than others. Most of them have lots of hang up left on the sides of the jars...except for the ones that were way too hot and wicked too high. It was very frustrating too, that about every other time I trimmed the wick, it would break off and I had to try to light a little nubbin. That would probably contribute to the hang up on the sides? Does anyone else have this problem? I wonder if the tests are sort of invalid now because of the wick being too short half of the time? Aaargh!

Thanks! The website was very helpful. Why do you prefer the Palm wax over the Ecosoya PB? I do think the appearance is more interesting...is the throw better? I've seen palm stearic acid on some websites...looks like it's added to container wax to help it harden more and release from the molds...what do you think about it?

Hello!! I was going to try to make votives and tarts, but don't really know where to start...I understand that I can't use the container wax (that I am finally getting used to...) and I have read several different wax combinations that people use. The container wax I use is GW 464. I was also looking for a soy wax to use in votives and tarts...one that has excellent throw (of course). I have also been looking at different types of molds...does anyone have a preference between silicone or metal? I found a silicone mold on a website that makes 6 candles and I think it's $12.99 or something. Also, is there a standard votive size? I've seen molds of different sizes, straight and tapered, etc...Oh and one more question (I promise)... do you use a different ratio of fragrance in these? Thanks in advance for the advice.

I checked out the wick chart at LoneStar and it was very helpful...thanks! It made sense, especially in comparison with most of the suggestions I have read. Yay! Right now I have 4 different scents going on their 3rd burn test, testing ECO 8 and ECO 10 in all 4. So far, it looks as though I could even go down to ECO 6 on one. Most of the ECO 8s are starting to "catch up". If only I remember to trim the wicks down before each test...:rolleyes2 Everyones imput has been so helpful and is VERY much appreciated!!! I'll let you know how these burn tests go... Happy burning everyone!

Do you use the RRDs in 464? Do different wicks affect the Fragrance throw? I looked at Candle Science and Peaks and did not see CDs. Where do you buy those? I found some Cotton Core wicks in my cubbard from Peaks (C-#) I bought last year and tested. Are they anything like the CDs or RRDs? I tested them with the Peaks fragrances I was using then. I haven't used them in any of the Candle Science fragrances yet. I don't know if I should try and purchase different wicks or if I should continue testing with the ECOs. I didn't really mind them. Out of my last test candles (the Lilac with the ECO 10) I got about 34 hours of burn time. Is that right? I was also thinking about wicking down to ECO 8, but I really liked the Fragrance Throw. The more I ramble, the more confused I get.

I forgot to take notes on how warm the candles got, but I don't remember them being too hot. Next time I test, I'll have to pay better attention to that detail. I have heard, too, that other people like the CDs better. I just bought 100 of each of the ECO 8, 10, 14,16 because of a recommendation chart I referred to, of course before I read about the CDs... I am going to test a new scent (Lime Cooler) and I was thinking of using ECO 10 with 8% FO per lb. of wax. The lilac I tested with 8% filled the house...that's kind of why I was thinking 8% rather than 6%. That same test with Lilac achieved a FMP on the second burn. Each time I burned it (3 HRS each time), the melt pool was between 1/4 and 1/2. Does that sound right? Thanks for the help!!!

Well, I'm back...I tried a few different things, and here are my results... I tested Blueberry Cobbler from Candle Science, using 6% FO in 1 lb of 464 in 3 inch containers, so I tested for 3 hours at a time. This is what I found: ECO 8: 1st burn: not quite all the way across, about 1/4 inch deep. By the 3rd test it burned all the way across and continued to burn about 1/4 inch deep until about the 7th test, then it burned between 1/4-1/2. At about the 11th Test it burned almost all the way down. ECO 10: 1st burn: burned 1/2 inch deep. Actually throughout all 11 tests (when it eventually burned down), the melt pool stayed right around the 1/2 inch mark during each 3 hour period. During most of the burns the flame was slightly torchy. I didn't really notice much difference in the fragrance throw, so I'm not really sure which one would be the correct wick...I'm guessing ECO 8? Oh and there's more... I also tested Lilac from Candle Science at 8% FO to 1 lb of 464 and here's what happened with that... ECO 10: 1st test: Melt pool was not quite all the way across. 2nd Test: Melt pool all the way across and between 1/4-1/2 inch deep. throughout the rest of the tests, the melt pool stayed between 1/4-1/2 until it melted all the way down. Fragrance throw was awesome... ECO 12: 1st burn: about 3/8 deep. It burned between 1/4-1/2 inch deep all the other tests...probably closer to 1/2 inch. Torchy flame most of the time. Candle burned completely down long before other candles...so I'm guessing the ECO 10 would be the one to stick with? This may sound lazy...but I need to test several different wick sizes with each new fragrance? If you really read through all of this...I am very greatful...sorry so long!!

Sorry-I have been away awhile, but I just received my new wicks in the mail...ECO8 and ECO10. I'll try 6% FO and start testing again. My goal...as I'm sure is the same as most...is optimal fragrance throw. So, thanks for the help...I'll let you know how it goes!

Thank you for the suggestions! I will test with smaller wicks and see how that goes. I was using 10% FO because I guess 464 can hold up to 12%. I just figured easy math...maybe it is a little overkill. Thanks to everyone for all the help!:smiley2:

Hello! I am new to candle making and was wondering if anyone could help me out with burn test info. I am using 464 with 10% FO. The wick I am using is ECO 16 for a 3 inch container. In my burn tests, the melt pool reaches the full diameter of the container before 2 HRS, and is actually about 1/4 inch deep by the time 2 HRS is up. But at 4 HRS it is only 1/2 deep, which I have heard is ideal. I have also heard that the candle should burn 1 inch per hour, which would mean that my candles are burning entirely too fast. Also, I was wondering if my wick is too big, if it could lessen the fragrance throw. Sorry for the silly questions, but I am a little confused...Thanks for the help!!