pitfalls, testing, obstacles and frustration.

[LisaMG]

 

I am putting this question out to all seasoned chandlers..............I am a beginner and realize that there is a lot of work and testing that goes into making a candle. At times though, it would be nice to see some small success with a candle or two. Which type of scents, jars, waxes etc. would suggest that inexperienced candle makers stay away from?

So on a bad day we don't feel like having a bonfire in the yard with all of our wax and wicks.

Just wondering

[bfroberts]

I'd probably say stay away from palm wax initially since it burns in a less-traditional manner than what many people are accustomed to.  In all seriousness, I think the best thing to stay away from when learning candle making is Facebook, Reddit, YouTube.  The bad advice outnumbers the good by miles, and it's impossible for a new maker to know the difference.  There is a ton of great info right here on this forum.  And you can always ask your supplier for info.

[TallTayl]

7 hours ago, LisaMG said:

 

I am putting this question out to all seasoned chandlers..............I am a beginner and realize that there is a lot of work and testing that goes into making a candle. At times though, it would be nice to see some small success with a candle or two. Which type of scents, jars, waxes etc. would suggest that inexperienced candle makers stay away from?

So on a bad day we don't feel like having a bonfire in the yard with all of our wax and wicks.

Just wondering

Awww friend, we all have bonfires from time to time.  They feel and smell good sometimes.this was my last one. Used a 3 gallon pail of failed soy wax candle wax. 

 

then we pick up where we left off with testing and sometimes a miracle happens. 

 

we have ALL been in that spot. 
 

I learned to stay away from wide, shallow containers. They are too hard to wick well until we find the right magic combo.

a 3” wide x 3-4” tall jar has been a sweet spot in most all of my waxes.  Like a Libbey status jar.  No neck or taper or shoulder issues to add variables. 
 

fragrances with smoke, leaf, dirt, patchouli, cedar, amber, etc notes are usually hard hard hard to wick .

Woods are nearly always weak smelling, but can be pleasant. (candlescience river birch - a strong exception - is hella strong but a bugger to wick in many waxes).

Cologne types are usually easiest (and often cheapest). 
 

echoing above, most FB groups,  most you tube and most Reddit advice is suspect at best. If something sounds weird, it probably is. If you are adventurous, test it to find out. 

 

[LisaMG]

 LOL I am in the process of making a bunch of multi-colored, multi scented fire starters. 

[Tiinkers]

On 5/12/2021 at 6:40 PM, TallTayl said:

Awww friend, we all have bonfires from time to time.  They feel and smell good sometimes.this was my last one. Used a 3 gallon pail of failed soy wax candle wax. 

 

then we pick up where we left off with testing and sometimes a miracle happens. 

 

we have ALL been in that spot. 
 

I learned to stay away from wide, shallow containers. They are too hard to wick well until we find the right magic combo.

a 3” wide x 3-4” tall jar has been a sweet spot in most all of my waxes.  Like a Libbey status jar.  No neck or taper or shoulder issues to add variables. 
 

 

Were you sucessful in wicking that libbey status jar? Im struggling for a while already trying to wick it the 6006.

[TallTayl]

55 minutes ago, Tiinkers said:

Were you sucessful in wicking that libbey status jar? Im struggling for a while already trying to wick it the 6006.

Cs and cdn seem to be the ticket in my softest waxes 

[Tiinkers]

On 6/9/2021 at 11:51 AM, TallTayl said:

Cs and cdn seem to be the ticket in my softest waxes 

thank you!