gmp Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 Hi All ~I thought I ordered all the supplies I would need to start my candle making hobby. Then I discovered that I should have ordered the Wick Centering Tool for my 16 oz mason jars. Whoops! I am going to pay through the nose in shipping for them now.Do you suggest I bite the bullet on shipping and order them anyway, or is there another way to get the wick centered? I did do a test candle two weeks ago, and getting the wick to stay centered was one of the more challenging parts of the process.TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dove Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I use a popsicle stick with a hole drilled in it and a tiny cloths pin to center mine...You can get both of those at wal mart and I have a dremel tool to do the drilling but I am sure any drill would work with a small bit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
terryb44256 Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 i bought an extra pack of the circle inserts and drilled a small hole in the center. after pouring i put the wick thru the hole placing the insert on the jar... then i screw the ring on to keep that centered and attach a clothespin to the wick to keep it taught... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tizimarezie Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I took the advice of someone else on here and have been using chip bag clips. They're working fine for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GordonK Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I also use the popsicle stick, but I glued it to the outer threaded ring. That lets me get everything set and still leaves an opening to pour the wax through. You can also use binder clips (in the office supplies section) instead of a clothes pin.hth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
grama Posted October 31, 2006 Share Posted October 31, 2006 I don't use the wick centering tool because I hot glue my wick. What I did was take a piece of tan colored heavy weight printer paper and drew the bottom of all my jars on it, then measured and marked the center, if I am using 2 wicks marked where they should go. I also use the clothes pin to keep my wick tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted October 31, 2006 Author Share Posted October 31, 2006 Thanks everyone!! I think I "get it" now. I'll hot glue gun the wick into the base, then pour, then hold it taut with a clothes pin, chip clip, or popsicle stick.Thanks for the tips. Saved me from spending $$$ on shipping the WCT. Wish me luck!Happy Halloween to all... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jillgunter Posted November 1, 2006 Share Posted November 1, 2006 Yep I use the chip clips too, they are great. Holds them nice and tight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted November 1, 2006 Author Share Posted November 1, 2006 Thanks so much everyone for the advice. I am getting ready to do my test candles tomorrow evening and must admit I am getting cold feet. I ordered some great supplies from BCN and I don't want to mess it up! You all have been great. Thanks again... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gmp Posted November 5, 2006 Author Share Posted November 5, 2006 Well, I have made three test candles in the past couple days. Regarding the wick centering, still having difficulty. I hot glue gunned the wick tab to the base of the mason jar, poured the wax, then topped the candle with it's lid. (I drilled a hole through the center of the lid and threaded the wick through). I kept the wick taught with a chip clip.At first glance the wicks look centered, but they are not. They are off centered enough so that I am not getting a proper meltpool. It's melting off center. I don't know how I can be more exacting to get the wick centered. Is this a skill I just have to keep working at, is there another trick to help center the wick, or is this the nature of handcrafted candles? I greatly appreciate any and all comments! TIA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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