Paul

Obviously I don't know which debratant uses, but had to throw in my 2 cents - I use Peak's and my customers say it's the truest Lilac they have smelled in a candle. And, yep - it's good and strong!

Amen to that ... Peak's Lilac is aaaawesome. I'm using it in 4630 and it is the best Lilac I've tried so far.

Has anyone used Botanical Orchard & Nectar? OOB it smells absolutely divine!!!

We'll have to compare, it is the free sample I recieved also.

Very Nice scent out of the bottle.

I'm a big fan of the free samples ... waiting on my Peak order as I post.

I'd think Butt Naked... but.. if you make your own labels, make some up and create a "limited edition" scent! Just figure out a new name

Jamaica Me Naked

Okay Paul-- where on earth is the Quirky?? Hmmm??

Bugs Bunny should have taken a left turn here

One of your old computers or hard drives have been sold and infected by a virus. Shortly after my dead mother-in-law's computer was sold at an estate sale, I started receiving spam emails from her.

This article has more info about ASTM certified candle glass, and the kinds of testing the glass containers must pass: http://www.eca-candles.com/pdf/WorldCandleCongress/ASTM%20Standards%20and%20the%20Candle%20Industry%20-%20Becker%20Moss.pdf

Awesome link - Thank you. It sounds like I could take my hot glassware out of the dishwasher and put it in a water bath 90º cooler for 30 seconds. If it didn't shatter at that point, the glass should be deemed good for thermal shock resistance. (page 11)

Personally my glassware comes out of the sanitizing wash in the dishwasher hotter than I like when my candles are burning. They get rattled around in there fairly well. I think most glassware is going to have to put up with a lot more in its life than being a simple one time use candle. Even something like the margarita glass will need to be engineered and made to withstand the bar environment, (washed, scrubbed and slammed on the bar multiple times) to justify the cost to the bar owner. I care more about buying from a reputable well known manufacturer than I care about ASTM glassware. Just my two-cents.

Thanks for the info everybody I'm leaning towards a warming plate because I have a presto and it just seems safer (max temp. 200º).

I'm saving the glass ones, no idea what I'm going to do with them but I hate to throw good glass bottles away.

My wife is kicking me out of the kitchen and I need to make a candle area. I’m currently using a presto to melt my wax and a pour pot to mix in.

I’m wondering - should I get a warming tray or a double burner hot plate?

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated from those that use either. Is one brand or type better than another?

Thanks Suzy, yep, after weeks of testing my results are like yours. I'm favoring the 60/40 blend. I would say that I'm getting between 12 and 14 hours of scent and it melts nicely in a tiny 10w warmer. I don't get the 20+ hours like I do with straight 4630 paraffin, but I don't think I should expect it with a soy.

Just to put my mind at ease I'm testing some 464 and PB blends this week and hopefully will have time in a few weeks to try a C-3 and PB.

Stella, what is USA?

I'm not Stella but I just asked this question myself.

USA = Universal Soy Additive

http://candlemarketingsweeti.com/blog/2010/02/candle-additives-universal-soy-additive/

I can't find Black Cherry at Peaks. I am missing something?

Nope, Black Cherry is from AAA, sorry

Honeysuckle from Wellington - Holy cow! This one could fill a warehouse with scent.

Black Cherry from Peak - Very nice, I see why its so popular. All I want to do is eat while I'm smelling it.

Lilac from Peak - Perfect, very clean.

The only one of these I have tried is Vanilla Bean Nectarine. Kind of reminded me of an orange dreamsicle - very pleasant, but not enough HT in my paraffin.

I started with a drawn bullseye, but I was still off. Bought the wick centering tool and my first few attempts were off and I couldn't look down into the jar while wicking, so I gave up with that contraption. Third attempt was a charm for me, I fabricated a wooden pattern (wish I'd seen the idea about using mounting squares earlier ) around my jars with a bullseye and just use the bic pen trick that Stella mentioned with a bow tie.

Thank you RJ

Warning, stupid newbie question coming - What is USA?

Call your current insurance agent. If they don't carry the business insurance you need, they can refer you to someone local who does carry it. I think you would be much happier dealing with an agent you can meet face to face, and a company that will have to abide by your state regulations. Although I'm interested in hearing what anybody else has to say about their out-of-state insurance companies. I wonder how well some of them handle claims?

I would try warming your jars in the oven at 170 and pour at 160. If that doesn't do it, pour at 170. Let them room cool slowly out of a draft. I've had to pour hotter than recomended, to get flat tops with 4630 and I think it's the altitude.

I use the large commercial melters mainly but LOVE my Presto for testing and small pours. I have used this Presto for over 8 years now and never had any problem with the coating chipping off like some others have had. I was just wondering where to get a replacement when this one dies. The ones at Walmart now are smaller than mine that I bought 8 years ago....don't they make this size anymore?

No they sure don't. I almost took our old deep fryer to make a wax melter with it and my wife put her foot down. When I went to Wally-Mart to buy a new one, I was glad I hadn't destroyed the old one. Smaller and cheaper made in my opinion.

So on that note ... I just made my first presto wax warmer with a spout and I AM LOVING IT!!

I like your methodology Stella. I'm going to have to add a few of these steps to my testing process. Thanks

I stand corrected Stella, the MSDS I was reading last night is not the same MSDS that you have posted.

On the other hand – the MSDS you did post …

3. HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION

Toxicity: May cause eye and skin irritation. May irritate lips, gums, tongue, mouth, nose and throat. ****When this product is exposed to moisture, acetic acid may be formed. May irritate respiratory system upon frequent or prolonged use.

8. EXPOSURE CONTROLS/PERSONAL PROTECTION

Eyes: Safety glasses.

Skin: Neoprene or nitrile gloves recommended.

Ventilation: General; local exhaust ventilation as necessary to control any air contaminants to within their exposure limits (or to the lowest feasible levels when limits have not been established) during the use of this product.

Respiratory Protection: An approved organic vapor respirator should be worn when exposures are expected to exceed the applicable limits.

I only bring this up, because I can see many of us using our children and grandchildren to do our wicking for us. I can picture their little noses right up against that container making sure the wick is perfect, and breathing in unacceptable concentrations of this product. Do not treat these chemicals lightly. The manufacturer recommends using in a well ventilated space or using an organic respirator.

… and this is for approved uses. If you’re going to be using this product, as I soon will be, for an unapproved use - I think it is better to err on the side of caution.

Just to clarify, I’m not trying to dissuade anyone from using this product. Just use responsibly. This means using in a well ventilated room OR using a respirator

Wow, thank you for the detailed response Stella. You have another fan of RTV. My glue sticks will now only be used for testers.

Formaldehyde is most certainly in this product and is listed as an out gas on the MSDS, and if you have petroleum distillates, your going to have ketones. My concern is only for the person using the RTV as it is out-gassing. DO NOT BREATH this stuff. Use in a well ventilated area or use a NIOSH organic vapor mask.