Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 Hey all, I have been making candles for a few years now. It seems that everyone has their own method of measuring when hot is too hot while testing candles in their containers. I know that there is this topic already somewhere in the archives but I wouldn't mind a refresher. I have read comments from people who use wicks in certain waxes and containers that seem to me to be clearly overwicked. Then they will they say that their tests are fine and that they will sell them. I am curious to see what all of you have to say about test burning candles and when a test becomes too hot. Is there a certain temperature that the glass cannot exceed or is there another way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 ASTM.org sets the general safety standards. 170*F is the max temp of a container last I read. An IR thermometer really helps test for safety. ETA here’s a start for your research http://candles.org/industry-standards/ a search in astm here on the forum should pull up old discussions. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 TallTayl, I have a IR thermometer but I am wondering how you go about measuring it? Do you aim the laser at the glass on the outside? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 That’s where I start. If any place someone may hold the container is at or above 170 I’d say the candle needs to be reconsidered. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 Thanks TallTayl for your input. I have had plenty of testers to where I cannot pick them up because of heat yet never measured the actually temperature so I discarded them and tried a different wick. Maybe perhaps I have been going about it all wrong. These candles perhaps could have been under 170 but they were just hot enough not to hold. I have made plenty of excellent, side clearing, and smelly good candles yet I failed them because the jar was too hot. Hmmmm maybe i should reconsider? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TallTayl Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 If in doubt, don’t, right? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forrest Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 I use the curse word method. When the candle has burned down enough I simply pick it up. I have a list of words and phrases, and if I what comes out of my mouth when I pick up the candle is on the list then it is too hot. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 Yes true but then again most of us have never had someone to follow and instruct on the correct way of candle making. This is why I have to constantly ask questions regarding candles. As long as the candle stays below 170 I will go with that. Many overwicked candles will soot like crazy anyways so there are obvious warnings. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 Well also I have had candles burn hot on the first burn and then on the second it will have a tiny melt pool and not even touch the sides. Candles just do so many random things while testing. This is why we test I suppose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candle guy Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 You know it's funny about the curse word testing because everyone has a different degree of heat tolerance. I am a wimp apparently when it comes to carrying hot items. My fiancee laughs at me all of the time for yelling and dropping hot food. She has a high tolerance for carrying hot things. Her testing a jar would most likely differ from myself testing one. So maybe I'll stick with the laser test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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