burnt_fingers Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 My wife wants me to make candles of beeswax so yesterday I ordered some beeswax from Peak along with some square braid wicks size #1 and #2 along with wick tabs. I plan on using canning jars that are 8 oz and have a diameter of approximately 2.75". I have never used beeswax so any suggestions that you might have would be greatly appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beekeeper_sd Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I've been making beeswax candles for over 4 years now. Although I don't make container candles, I would recommend you use the #2 wick and test, test, test. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I personally don't/won't make beeswax container candles, just votives, pillars and tapers. Because of the large wick you need to use with beeswax, containers can and will get very hot, so be careful. I ended up breaking a couple jars with my testing years ago, so that ended my beeswax container endeavor and I stuck with the others instead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burnt_fingers Posted December 10, 2008 Author Share Posted December 10, 2008 I'll certainly will test. If I go with pillars, what is the maximum diameter I should go staying with a single wick.Good advice, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisR Posted December 10, 2008 Share Posted December 10, 2008 I personally like 3" pillars with my beeswax. Because square braid wicks burn with a higher flame, I don't like to go above a #5 wick. You also have to keep in mind that all beeswax is not the same, as some have a high viscosity, thereby taking a larger wick. Usually the darker the beeswax, the harder it is to wick, in my testing over the years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beekeeper_sd Posted December 11, 2008 Share Posted December 11, 2008 I personally don't/won't make beeswax container candles, just votives, pillars and tapers. Because of the large wick you need to use with beeswax, containers can and will get very hot, so be careful. I ended up breaking a couple jars with my testing years ago, so that ended my beeswax container endeavor and I stuck with the others instead. I agree totally, I have tried to make simply little candle tins that were only 4 oz. but even they do not burn as good as the candles that are not in containers. I, also have quit making containers with beeswax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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