Hemp wick and beeswax

[ShellyC]

Hello! I JUST started attempting to make candles, and I’m seeing so much conflicting information out there! 

I’m trying to make beeswax candles using hemp wicks (and eventually use lavender 40/42 essential oil to fragrance). I saw on some sites that adding coconut oil to the wax helps prevent tunneling and also helps with hot throw for essential oil. Recently, I made 2 candles using 8oz of beeswax and 2oz of coconut oil. I poured the wax into a 4oz mason jar and a 9oz cylinder container, both have about 2.5 in diameter. I had the same problem in both candles with the hemp wicks. The wax started tunneling, and the wicks started to build up carbon near the pool of wax. I did not add essential oil to this batch because I want to get an idea of how the wax would melt and wicks would burn before wasting precious EO.
 

I haven’t found much information on hemp wicks, and I’m unsure if it’s an issue with the wick, the wax, or both! Please help! The info out there is overwhelming, especially to someone brand new to this.
 

Thank you!

[TallTayl]

For beeswax the only wick series I have ever been able to rely on is bleached square.  It is treated to withstand the chemical properties of beeswax and a big enough “straw” to reliably draw the wax fuel to the flame.  
 

some people like ECO. 

[Mad Dad]

You might want to start by scaling back on your coconut oil ratio first. The ratio is around 1/2 teaspoon per lb of wax. Too soft at the higher ratio and some add stearic acid to firm it up too, usually around 1/8 teaspoon per lb (give or take). Hopefully this helps.