Snuff Gear

Thanks. Forgot the timing part. With a pillar, as it melts down, how do you deal with the sides that haven't melted?

So, just what is considered a good melt pool? Container? Side to side melt at about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep? Pillar? Side to side but not breaking through any side? Thanks Tom

One could always use their cart for just order data, and take phone calls for the cc info. Or, just take phone orders. Not as convenient, but secure.

Actually, an SSL is quite secure. What's not as secure, is your admin/db. There are a number of steps you can take that will make access very difficult. Almost anything is hackable. To my way of thinking, it's a matter of risk versus reward. (as far as a hacker is concerned) If your smart enough to do the hack, you are probably smart enough to look for bigger fish. IMHO.

It doesn't store the middle digits. Strips them immediately. They are not in the db at all. I recently changed processors and they had no problem with my Zen Cart. (First Data)

I process all my cc's manually. I do not, and have never used, a 'gateway' for cc orders. VERY secure, and no customer data is transmitted over the internet. I've had Oscommerce or Zen for the last 15 years and have not had one issue.

How are your computer skills? Zen Cart is free if you are able to do the work to set it up. If not, I've used these folks for years. They built my current 2 stores, and several previous. http://pro-webs.net/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4 Up and running store for 1350. You just add your product. (easy) Your hosting or theirs. Melanie and Jack, the owners, provide an awesome service, and yes, you can actually call them on the phone! A rarity these days.I wouldn't recommend anyone else. Tom SnuffGear.com KannaSnuff.com

@:Banirs, I am also a retired carrier. Took the early out a few years ago! Just in time! @all: I ship over 4000 packages a year from my home. Rarely have an issue but when I do, I call. All 'metered' packages, and by that I mean any pkg that has a scanable bar code on it, (Delivery Confirmation, Insured, Express, Sig Confirmation, etc...) from Stamps.com, Click & Ship labels, and etc..., should be accepted by any postal employee, at any time. Carriers are now REQUIRED to scan the barcode of these packages upon pickup. This is a relatively new requirement and not all employees are aware. Always politely ask your carrier to scan your packages. If they don't, or don't know this, CALL THE DELIVERY SUPERVISOR at your post office and politely explain that you are aware of this requirement and ask that he/she handle the situation. If your packages have stamps on them, and they are over a certain weight, (13 oz???) they must be presented at any post office counter. (new security rules) This is not necessary if you use the metered labels as the barcode identifies the mailer in the event of an issue. Priority/Express/Regional boxes/envelopes from the po are free. ALL of these boxes can be used by anyone. If you have ANY problems with your pkg's, call and ask for the delivery supervisor. Politely explain your issue and do a follow up to make sure the problem is resolved. If you get no satisfaction from the supervisor, ask for the station head or postmaster. Tom NALC Br 1690 (Retired)

@PAGirl Off topic but............ JSHomespuncreations is a REALLY nice site! Congrats. (I've built over 300 sites and not a one looks as good!) Tom

amen!

Absolutely. I just ordered one myself yesterday. ps. Shipping was just under 5 bucks.

Well, the 104, 105, and 126 never did reach a full melt pool. The 1312 took about 5 hours to reach full pool. Flame was actually nice, not too big for the size jar, although the wick needed trimming every few hours and it mushroomed quite a bit. I let it burn for 11 hours and lost exactly 1/2 inch of wax. Next up...same candle with more fo. ps: 1312 needs to be trimmed real low in my candle to prevent big flame and smoking.

The 1312 did work much better than the 126.

@chuck: I understand what you're saying, but it's not a really question of different Creme Brulees', but more of a question of just not enough room/s filling fragrance. The Peak Creme Brulee smelled great if you were standing within a few feet of the candle. Walk 10 feet away, and it wasn't noticeable. (same problem with all the FO's I've tried to date.) Maybe my expectations are just to high. Scientific data regarding mixing FO's and hot wax would be an interesting read. Know of any? Testing continues...... Thanks Tom

Thanks for all the replies. Yes, I forgot to add how much FO. I used 1 oz. in each of the 2 test candles. @debratant: Good suggestion. I am aware of the 'candle nose' phenomena and take steps to minimize this when evaluating. Both candles setup for 48 hrs before trying. 105's were burned for 2 hrs., then for 6 hrs. No difference that I could discern. Pulling the 105's this morning and replacing with 126's. Didn't get a full melt pool with the 105's. @lilcountrymama: I guess my question remains. What are 'Great Results'? With all the research I've been doing here, I'm beginning to understand the technical aspects, but what I still don't have a handle on is the finished product expectations. Should I always expect AWESOME as opposed to, gee that's kind of nice? Room filling aroma, or house filling? Subtle, or 'in your face' aroma? etc...... Thanks again. Lot's of friendly and helpful people here. It is appreciated. Tom

Hello all. Sorry for the long post. Hobbyist here with no desire to ever sell candles. Went into a store, (aquarium store no less), about 6 weeks ago and the aroma, (Creme Brulee), from a burning candle, was awesome. Filled the whole store. I bought one and since it was in a very small jelly jar, it didn't last long. I eventually contacted the maker asking about a larger size. Unfortunately, they only made the small jars. Ok, figured I'd do it myself. LOL! Placed an order at Peak for some 4625 paraffin, pillar mold, FO, wicks, etc.... Not knowing what I was doing, I threw together a 6" pillar. It burned like crazy with a lot of smoke, but the fragrance filled the house. Awesome really, and as long as I kept trimming the wick, the smoke was manageable. Since that one was somewhat of a messy proposition, I ordered more supplies, including some Salsa jars and some 4627, (comfort blend), from CS, and an HTP wick sampler from Peak. So far I have not been able to duplicate the BIG aroma similar to the pillar I initially threw together. Currently testing these 2 and the results are disappointing. 08/28/11 Jar: Salsa – Candle Science Test Candle – Creme Brulee Wax: IGI 4627 Wax: 16oz. (1.5 ounce too much) FO: Crème Brulee (Peak) Dye: Maize chip (1) Wick: HTP 105 FO & Dye added at 185. Stirred 1 ½ min. Pour: 185 08-28-2011 Jar: Salsa – Candle Science Test Candle – Mulberry Wax: IGI 4627 Wax: 14.4oz. (1.5 ounce too much) FO: Mulberry (Peak) Dye: Cranberry chip (1) Wick: HTP 105 FO & Dye added at 185. Stirred 1 ½ min. Pour: 185 Both have a semi decent HT aroma within 5-6 feet of the candle and the room has some fragrance to it, but I think I was expecting more. CT was lame at best. So, at this point, I'm really not sure what to expect. Should I be able to get big fragrance from a container, or is it going to be more subtle? Any advice/help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks Tom

Thanks! Looks like we dodged a bullet here. (Charleston SC)