Flat or Square for Poured Tapers

[Henryk]

So, as mentioned a while ago, I cannot do dipped tapers in my small work area, so I have gotten some more rubber taper molds. I have not used square braid in my BW tapers, just flats, so I want to retest again with both just to be sure. (I'm doing some tonight with Chris' recommendation of 2/0 square).

I always thought flat was the way to go with tapers. If you use one or the other flat or square, why did you choose one over the other?

TIA!

[ChrisR]

Henry when I first added 100% beeswax molded tapers to my business several years ago, I tested flat braids and just couldn't get a good enough, dripless burn with them and I tried just about all the appropriate sizes. Each and every taper would drip and I just didn't want that kind of burn. I also found them to lean a bit. When I switched to testing the square braid, I tested the 2/0 first and found it to be a perfect burn with paraffin or beeswax. I trim the wick to about 1/8", which gives a nice size flame and no smoking. I will trim the wick again during the burn if I see the flame getting too high also.

[Henryk]

Thanks Chris! I tried a set with 2/0 and another with 3/0 - we'll see how it goes! BTW, I got some of those wicking needles --- I don't know how I lived without them! You can wick anything with them - from taper molds to finished pillars. I've done up to a #4 square with them so far.

[ChrisR]

Keep me posted on how the wicks work for you. I certainly hear ya on the wicking needle.......after many years of use, mine isn't so perfectly straight anymore but stills works terrific!!