MorpheusPA Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 First, I'm a newbie to soy candlemaking--I ordered a container kit from Candelwic, and so far I'm having fun exactly following the instructions. I'm definitely not yet thinking about making my own candle shapes or anything.The question I had was about tunneling in container candles--is it really that bad? I realize it's a waste of wax, but are there any other consequences if the tunnel is wide enough to admit sufficient air for burning?The reason I ask is...I kind of like a tunneling effect. The light through the wax is warm-looking and cheerfully colored. I don't mind if they don't tunnel, but I do like it when they do, and several of the Yankee candles I've bought have done so. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorpheusPA Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Clarification:I don't mean the tunneling from an air bubble or bad wicking, but instead from cases where even a full burn doesn't move the melt pool to the edge of the container.Sorry 'bout that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Welcome to the addiction!It shouldn't really tunnel... That's typical of palm wax but not soy. What kind of wax are you using, what type wick and size, what kind of container and the inside diameter? How long are you waiting before test-burning?It doesn't surprise me that YankMe candles tunnel... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorpheusPA Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 I'm not yet sure what to expect from soy candles as this is the first time I've ever tried making them. Or any candle, but the soy seemed more inviting, and something that would be easier to do on the stove than some other waxes with higher melt points. Besides, I prefer container candles!Test burning...the first one, which just passed 72 hours of cure time (I can't wait any longer, durn it!) is currently burning on my office desk. Elapsed time: about 30 minutes so far. Looks good. :-) The evergreen scent is wonderful when there's snow due tomorrow!I used Soy-125 (http://www.candlewic.com/store/Product.aspx?q=c18,p677&title=Soy-Wax-%28Soy-125%29-for-Container-Candles---Lower-Price), which is what came in the kit. I'm sure it's not optimal.The wick is http://www.candlewic.com/store/Product.aspx?q=c40,p1117&title=Standard-Container-Wick-Assembly which is also what came in the kit.The container is a 10 ounce apothecary jar that's 2.5 inches across.I'm less concerned about precise burning (these being a hobby and perhaps, eventually, gifts) than safety. I'd rather not have a wax fire or burn the house down otherwise... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stella1952 Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 For your test burn periods, try about 2 hours 45 minutes per session, allowing the candle to completely cool before relighting. Trim the wick to 1/4" before each burn. It is normal for soy wax to not reach FMP (full melt pool) for the first or second burn. After that, the hangup on the side should catch up. The container should not become so hot that it cannot be handled.Your wick is an 8" RRD-40 NST 2. Nothing wrong with Soy-125. My best suggestion is for you to make friends with the search tools on the veggie wax forum and read, read, read. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorpheusPA Posted January 20, 2011 Author Share Posted January 20, 2011 Thanks much! I'm up to page fifty or so on the forum, so I have a ways to go yet. :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elfcat Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 Are we talking a lot of hang up or just a little? I don't think a little bit is that big of a deal as long as you like it and are happy with it and it smells great. Which from your post sounds like you are. Just my 2 cents. Or, you could become obsessed with the perfect burn like the rest of us and become a fanatic. :smiley2: Then it begins.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IwantItgreen Posted January 20, 2011 Share Posted January 20, 2011 (edited) Hi Morph! Good to see you again, I wonder how many more are here from Bestlawn or LawnSmarts! I haven't been there for a long time, got busy with the candle hobby. Oh ya, we're talking soy wax here, sorry. I'm not sure if what you want is really gonna work with soy wax. Soy is opaque, it isn't translucent like the yankee paraffin is. If you wick your soy candle to tunnel, I'm afraid the wick will eventually drown out and not burn at all. Soy candles usually start out with some hang-up, but then catch up later, but I don't think that's what you're after either. Short burn times may work but to me that kinda defeats the purpose. Sorry I'm not much help. I use a soy-paraffin blend. Edited January 20, 2011 by IwantItgreen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MorpheusPA Posted January 21, 2011 Author Share Posted January 21, 2011 Hi Morph! Good to see you again, I wonder how many more are here from Bestlawn or LawnSmarts! I haven't been there for a long time, got busy with the candle hobby. Prob'ly some--it being winter, there's not much going on over there. No decent soil tests to read and wrangle. No real organic discussions. Well, winter's half over, at least!wick your soy candle to tunnel, I'm afraid the wick will eventually drown out and not burn at all. Soy candles usually start out with some hang-up, but then catch up later, but I don't think that's what you're after either. Short burn times may work but to me that kinda defeats the purpose. Sorry I'm not much help. I use a soy-paraffin blend.Gotcha. No, that makes perfect sense as I noticed the opacity of the wax compared to what I'm used to! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.