Soy Wax Candle Forum - Online resource for soy candle makers

LaRee Brown wrote:

> Hi,
>
> I was reading your online instructions for making pillar candles, & you mentioned needing something for the base & that you recommend a rubber plug. Where do you find these rubber plugs? Also, just to clarify, this is for the bottom of the mold while the candle is hardening, not the bottom of the candle once it’s finished, correct?
>
> And finally, some of the molds that I got on ebay are a 3x3” pillar (approximately) but there isn’t a wick hole in the bottom, would it work to pour these like a votive or do I need to drill a hole in the bottom of these molds?
>
> I’ve really enjoyed your site so well & have had great success with container candles, tarts & votives.
>
> Thanks,
>
> LaRee
>
> Lilypie 2nd Birthday
>
Hi LaRee!

Thanks for your email! I'm happy you have found my info useful. I'd love to have a pic or two of some of your finished candles. I am going to add a photo/link page for everyone to post their projects!

The 3x3 pillars may be used either way. The trick would be to find a tabbed wick that would be suitable... (probably an HTP1212). The longer pillars would definately need the hole drilled in the bottom. Keep in mind doing it without the hole drilled in the bottom would cause the poured end to be the top of your candle. This would cause a less than perfect top (since the wax shrinks a bit when cooling). If you are ok with that, definately use the pre-tabbed wicks. That makes for a much easier wicking process.

Go to www.wholesalesuppliesplus.com and do a search for pillar mold plug. I think they are about .20 each. I found this supplier by searching google... you may find someone out there cheaper.

Thanks again for your support!!

Will Reece
www.soywaxcandles.org

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soywaxcandles
Site Admin

Joined: 17 Jun 2005
Posts: 30

Posted: Fri Jun 17, 2005 10:46 pm Post subject:

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LaRee Brown wrote:

> Thanks, I actually got the rubber plugs in the mail today. Now here's a dumb
> question, if the wick is going through the hole, how does the rubber plug
> also go through the hole? I'm sure I'm missing something really obvious
> here, but I'm just not getting it at the moment!
>
> And on another topic, some of my votives "cave in" at the top around the
> wick. At first I thought I was wicking too soon (because I wicked one,
> waited a few more minutes & then wicked the 2nd one (in a batch of 2) and
> the 1st one caved in & the second didn't), but my next batch (4) I wicked
> all together & still 2 caved in & 2 didn't. Murphy's law being what it is,
> my toddlers came storming into the kitchen just as I was wicking them, could
> the jarring of the floor have affected them (I don't remember if the kids
> were around the first couple I poured or not, but it's likely they were)? Or
> am I doing something else wrong?
> Once I get everything "perfected" I'll send you some pictures
> Thanks,
>
> LaRee
>
>
>
Hi LaRee,

You would stick the wick through the hole first then jam the rubber plug in. This completely seals it off so the wax will not run out of the bottom.
You may want to let your wax cool a little more before pouring them Once you see the bottom of the votive cups start to cloud up, go ahead and wick them then. Hope that helps!

Thanks,