General Questions about Soy

[dragonflydreamer]

Hi there, this is my first candle making post here, I introduced myself a while ago in the off topic area...

I'm using Cargil C-3 and I've only done a few scents so far, sort of a hobbyist, where as many of you seem to be in the buisness of making candles. So I thought I'd shoot a few questions at the pros here

Most of the candles I've been testing thus far have come out very nicely. I'm using small 3oz apothecary jars (mostly because I tend to get bored with a fragrence after a short while and these are for me) but some of the fragrences, one in particular set up with a very rough weird looking top. I've been reading that for this wax I should pour hotter than I have been (120 is what I have been pouring at) would pouring hotter eliminate the weird tops or is it the FO that is causing this?

My second question is, this... my friend owns a shop and sells scented oils, he gave me the link to his supplier and they say that their oils are safe for candles. Has anyone ever used scentoils.com oils in thier candles? Should I try this or should I just order from one of the companies listed on this site?

[Cindy/WI]

I use C 3 wax and found if I pour at 150 - 155 I get nice smooth tops, but at times I will get a hole or 2 around the wick but nothing a heat gun won't fix. I know I've read that some FO's can cause a rough look once set up but like I said if you don't all ready have one a heat gun is a candle makers best friend!! Can't help you on your other questioned. I've never used them. HTH Cindy/WI

[alhughes]

i also pour between 150-160, i usually get very nice tops but always had to repour but now i bought a heat gun (onsale wally mart $4.00) don't know how i got on without it. but the scents i can't help either but i would try maybe a sample or 2, pour some candles for your own use & try them out. i use lonestar scents & are very happy with them

[dragonflydreamer]

You found a heat gun at walmart for $4.00??? I can never find anything I'm looking for at walmart. It'd be worth the trip if I could find one at my local store, what department am I looking in because I would think Paint, but my gut feeling is never right with walmarts organization.

[Accents]

The cooler temperature does seem to cause the strange top. It might feel almost spongy if you press on it? I've found the lowest I can pour is 145, maybe 140, just a few degrees cooler and it starts getting weird. Pouring too cool also makes it look as it if hasn't cooled completely on the sides. I always try to pour as soon as everything's mixed in. HTH!