Beeswax and wick / pool problems ?!

[Pusscat]

Hi,

I've made some 100% beeswax candles about 7/8 diameter. I've tried wicks for beeswax NT17, NT20 and NT23 and ran a few tests.

After about an hour, with NT17, the flame started to drown in the pool then the wax would break-through, drip and the flame would come back.

The large wick NT23 occasionally started to drown (much less than NT17) but would again drip

Of them, NT20 sort of appeared OK but there were times when the pool of molten wax was quite large. The flame didn't down nearly as much the other two and only occasionally did the wax 'top over' and dribble.

I just had a few questions! Dose this mean NT20 is the wick for my candles?

I've read that too smaller wick will cause the flame to drown , candle to drip. But why is that also happening with my larger wick NT23? I thought it'd 'mop up' the excess wax pool...or do I need a larger wick still?! There was no soot or mushrooming to be seen.

(Advice on wicks from supplier: NT14 - NT17 - NT20 Soy wax candles up to a diameter of 65mm

NT20 - NT23 - NT26 Bees wax candles and tealights around 25mm - 45mm diameter)

Any advice gratefully received!

Pusscat.

[ChrisR]

I've never heard of NT wicks, but in my beeswax tapers (which I'm guessing your 7/8 dia are) I use a 2/0 square braid. For my votives I use an LX 16 wick and my 3" pillars I use a #4 or #5 square braid.

If your're getting a good burn and no dripping on your taper, they yes it's probably the right wick. Just make sure you test several to make sure your burn is consistent each time.

[topofmurrayhill]

I don't know those wicks either. They seem to be unique to your supplier.

I'd guess all those wicks are too small, based on what you say. It may seem confusing that the smaller wick burned better than the larger one, but you can get inconsistencies like that when the wicks are burning badly.

For good results, the wick can't be drowning at all and has to burn fast enough to use up the melting wax. I'd give the larger sizes a try.

[Pusscat]

Hi,

Many thanks for your advice both of you. I've ordered some square braid..from 1a, 2, 3 and 4...It's trial time again!

Cheers,

Pusscat

[beekeeper_sd]

I would probabaly use a #2 square braided wick for that size beeswax candle. Remember, you will probably have a much larger flame than you usually have on most other candles but, your beeswax candle should burn up the melt pool and not drip.

[radellaf]

FWIW my beeswax tapers and 1" pillars did well with #4/0 wicks. I used 2/0 in 3" eggs and 2" pillars (minor drips on the pillars). Never made anything larger than those. Going to make some .5"x4" hand dipped soon an got 5/0 to try for that, or LX12 or 14 esp if doing a 50/50 with soy PB.