evolver

Hi Evolver,

I wanted to chime in cuz I use EL wax too, (haven't seen too many who do) anyway..I have a square tin I use that is 3" in diameter and 3 1/2 diagonally..HTP 1212 works for most of my (EL) fragrance oils. HTH

Fran

Hi Fran, thanks for the chime. I didn't think anyone was going to respond. I really like EL although I haven't tried any other. I found a company 20 minutes from me that sells EL. Yay! Hmm...I'm using the htp 1212 in a libbey cube that's 3'' and 4'' diag. It's working great except its mushrooming. Do you get the 'shrooms too?

My tins are 2.5'' in diameter. So I think the htp1212 would be too big for my 6 oz tin.

Me again! I'm testing in 6 oz tins with 6% fo using enchanted lites 100% soy -no additives. I've tested htp62, htp73, 44-28-18, and FT 2.164. htp62 and 73 seemed to be too small for my tins (about 2.5 diameter). The first 4 rounds of testing with 62 and 73 i did not receive a full melt pool and the flame was no taller than the wick itself.

44-28-18: full melt pool within first test, flame height 1/2 in then about 1/3 through other rounds of testing, mainly strong ht, took a while to clean up sides as it burned down (towards the end of testing), mushrooming (small) about 50% of the time, total burn time: 38 hrs.

***I just noticed something. when I tested tin in bedroom, there was not full melt pool and the throw was not between medium and strong. yet when I tested in bathroom, I got a full melt pool and the ht was strong. Does the room size determine the melt pool that I get or is this all in my head?

ft 2.164: full melt pool every time, flame height between 1/2 - 3/4, mushrooming (medium sized) about 60% of the time, did clean up sides of container as it melted down, about 1/4 in of wax left over, barely medium ht and sometimes strong ht through testing (is there a such thing as a bipolar ht?), total burn time: 30 hrs.

Note: All of my testing was in 3 hour increments. Half way through testing, I realized that it should have been 2.5 hours since that is the diameter of my container but I wanted to remain consistent (thanks Stella1952). Will be testing 2.5 hours at a time next time around.

I was looking into testing the rrd series 37, 83, 93. Maybe a HTP104, and also a 51-32-18. Any suggestions on what I should start with?

ALSO: I poured @ 165. Made my top look my better then I poured at 170: a little smoother. Is this the best that my tops will look for 100% soy wax with just fo? Or is this when a heat gun/hair dryer comes into play?

Switched from glue dots to permatex...is it ok to have a little red seep out from under wick as I press it down?

Ok. Will do. Thanks for the quick reply.

I am towards the end of my first 3 hours of testing. I am a little concerned about my 12 oz Libbey Cube. Looking at this burn, it seems as if it's going to tunnel. I used Enchanted Lites container wax, 6% FO with a HTP-73 wick.

Also, the diameter of the candle is 3'' but 4'' diagonally. I know I should test burn 1 hour per diameter in inches but I'm not too sure about this one.

Should I burn 3 hours or 4?

Should I melt and use a different wick?

^^^^^^^This is awesome information. I'll have to look into a hygrometer especially because I live in Florida. I never realized that thermometers could be so temperamental. I guess I shouldn't be surprised because scales can be as well. I'll look into investing into an additional thermometer to keep the other honest.

How do you warm your FO's? At what temperature to you warm it to?

Seriously you want the temp of your wax to be even when you pour. Around the sides and bottom of the pot, it will be cooler as time ticks down... if that makes sense. I now just give it a few good swirls in the pot before pouring.

Ok. That does make sense. I think I was pouring too slowly and took too much time in between my pours.

If you keep your thermometer in the wax until you're ready to pour, watch how quickly it goes up when you stir. Mine will be at 150, but when I stir, it goes up to 165-170.

Do you recommend a digital thermometer or a candy thermometer will work just fine?

Live by the thermometer, die by the thermometer.

Raw the cotton core (44-28-18) are almost round in shape and the HTP's are closer to a flat or rectangular shape. Primed they could be about any shape but I think they tend to still have that distinction. If you can see the raw wick inside the prime wax, the HTP probably has a dark brown thread in it and the cotton cores do not.

You should know after a test burn. The cotton core will be round and straight and the HTP should be rectangular and curl.

Oh, great. Thanks EricofAZ. I see exactly what you're saying. I'll post the results of my first burn tomorrow.

(thinking to self) live by the thermometer, die by the thermometer. Thanks Stella1952.

Thanks Stella1952. I don't know why I was thinking that my containers were too pretty to write on.

After taking a break from candle studying, I was able to determine which wick was which (try saying that 5 fast). One is slightly thicker than the other and the braided material is tighter on one wick than the other. I'm going to give EL a call to verify though.

As for the rugged tops, try pouring slightly hotter. Stir the wax constantly as the temp comes down, so that when the wax changes from clear to cloudy as it cools, the wax looks satiny. Pour while satiny but before it becomes slushy. Whatever temp that is... If that doesn't work, try pouring hot (heat to 185°F - Add warmed FO -stir down to 165°F & pour).

Oooh, I only stirred about 4 or five times while the wax cooled down...I'll keep your suggestions in mind.

Will melting and repouring the wax affect the candle and/or throw of the FO?

One more day and I'll be able to do my first test burn.

I just purchased the same cubes from the Dollar Tree yesterday. I would love to use the but I have two questions about them:

1. Do you wick for the bottom or the top?
   
2. I was told that Libbey doesn't make tops for these so, what do you use to cover the top?
   

Hey Ocean Gazer1. I see you're in Florida too! I'm still learning how to perfect shopping cart build but I managed to build my own website with a shopping cart and I absolutely love it. Check it out HERE. I am still very new to this forum so I can't PM you but you can shoot me an e-mail @ missrodnee@hotmail.com.

Greetings Everyone!

I poured my first candles last night. Before I poured I created this form in order for me to take good notes on the details of my progress. I also made sticky notes to put on the actual container. Silly me took off the sticky notes that were on my containers when I placed them in the oven to warm them. I used to different wicks in my tins. My question is: Is there a way to differentiate between the two wicks? They look almost identical according to my virgin eyes.

Enchanted-Lites 100% container; 6 oz tins; Wicks: 44-28-18(a), FT-2.164 (EL); FO: Oakmoss & Amber 6% (CS) added @ 170; Poured @ 110.

Enchanted-Lites 100% container; 12 oz Libbey Cube; Wick: HTP-73 (EL); FO: Vanilla Hazelnut 6% (CS) added @ 170; Poured @ 105.

My tops are extremely crusty but look better with the melts and especially the tealights (probably because I poured them last and the wax cooled.

*Do you think that they will smooth out if I poured @ a lower temperature? Maybe 100?

Observation: I'm looking at the bottom of my tealights now and I can understand now why members don't use glue dots: the wax seeps under the wick tab...

I'm going to let my new babies cure for three days and will be doing some more reading within this forum to soak up some more knowledge in the meantime.

Any suggestions/advice for me? I could really use some...I wouldn't gotten this far without you all.

Not sure if this is what you are looking for ( I just did a Google search, so I know nothing about the company, but I found these. http://tinwerks.com/custom.cfm

3rd row down 1st item. HTH

Heck yeah this helps! I will definitely give them a call tomorrow. If anyone else is interested, I'll post the info I find out.

You rock!

Is that a archipelago candle? I agree that black sure does look classy!I'd like to get my hands on some myself!Lol!

lol...it sure is and yes, it is very classy.

Greetings All!

Just wanted to let you all know that ALL Avery's Branding & Merchandise Labels are on sale at Office Max until 11/5. Regular price $16.99 on sale now for $10.

Click HERE to see the various labels they have for marketing. Suitable for both Ink Jet & Laser.

ALSO Office Max has a coupon circulating for 20% off your in-store or online purchase exp. 11/5. I think you can print the coupon here. I say I think b/c OD text me all sorts of promotions. Here's the link they texted me http://bit.ly/hiiFGY.

I paid $8 for each set of labels. Now might be a good time to stock up...

Enjoy!

Greetings Everyone!

I just saw some black candle tins that I would love to use but can't seem to find. I tried performing a google search but can't seem to find them. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Okie dokie! will do. thanks!

Greetings everyone!

I seem to be having a difficult time finding chakra charms. I looked all over etsy and purchased a charm in the first picture but cannot find the others like the ones in the second picture or something similar.

I make my own jewelry and would like to add just the charm to my own pieces.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Welcome to the board. I use EL Millennium (I only do containers, tarts, and tea lights) and love it. I have tried different types of wicks, but have found I like the paper wicks best. I get my EL supplies from Lorrie here on the board; www.jandlcreations.com .

Thanks for the info Brandy, I will check out Lorrie's site.

...ordering from them requires a minimum purchase of 3,000 pieces (of the same size). Until you are certain of the wick size/type you will use, I don't think you'll be needing to order 3,000 wicks of one size & type. HTH & Good luck.

Oh, my! Thanks for the heads up about the minimum order at Wick It, Stella1952. You saved me a headache. )

I've used EL for over 10 years.... container blend. I love it and wouldn't deviate from it. I use predominently Cotton Wicks. In an 8 oz mason jar I use either a 51.. or a 60.. I've always had good luck with either paper or cotton wicks. I also buy some of the votive blend that I use for clamshells...

You can order cotton wicks directly from EL... and you can also order your wax at the same time.

I use FO's from several suppliers.... Peaks, EL and General Wax.... Seldom have I found n FO that doesnt' do well in this wax.

Good luck... let us know how it goes for you...

That information is very helpful SherriLynn I'll do look into the cotton wicks. I will have to admit, I'm a little nervous about the FO's. Just as everyone else, of course, I hope for the most banging HT.

This forum is truly a lifesaver. Watching hundreds of youtube videos on candle making is helpful but reading this forum helps me understand the background of it all.

Thanks guys and gals! Have an awesome day!

Greetings! I just ordered samples of the Enchanted-Lite Regular and Votive Blend. i was just wondering if anyone is still pleased with the results of their EL wax. I found a company within driving distance of me and I'm really hoping that this brand works for me. I would like to order sample wicks from WickIt but not sure what kind of samples to order. I'm looking to make 4,6,8 oz tins, tea lights, and votives. I won't be adding dyes but will definitely use FO's (CS seems to have great reviews on their FO's). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.