how do i put a hole in candle

[name]

Hello everyone.

I found this site on the off chance and it's looks GREAT.

I have just started to make soy candles, and I would like to know how i make a hole in the bottom of a pillar candle so it can be placed on a candle stand (the type with a spike)

I tried using a nail, but i just cracked the candle.

thanks guys

Nat

[sparkysdad]

I'm not a candle maker, but I thought soy candles were softer and melted at far lower temps, so were not suitable for pillar candles..:confused:

Having said that, when I get a pillar candle that doesn't have a hole I either heat up a kitchen skewer and "melt" a small hole with it, or use a bradawl and slowly bore a small hole in it :p

[Oddsox]

Hello and welcome to the forum (welcome)

If you want to put a pillar candle onto a stand with a spike then just push the whole candle over and onto the spike itself. The spike pushed into the wax will hold it in place. I hope this is what you meant!!!!

Making pillar candles from soy wax is notoriously difficult (well it has been for me anyway!) and you have to be very careful not to get a 'blow out' where the side of the candle melts and the wax pool spills out and down the candle into the base/plate/holder. This has with me been mainly affected by the size of wick used (if it's too big). It can happen quickly and be potentially dangerous depending on where it is and what you are using. I would suggest that, if you are going to try pillar candles, use an inverted 'bowl' type of base plate so if it does happen the wax can be 'caught' within the holder. Alternatively, get an larger old bowl, put a layer of sand in the bottom place the cande into the sand and test burn it that way. I wouldn't leave any candle alone at any time especially if you are trying out new combinations of wicks, fragrances, colours and waxes. it's a case of test, test, test.

I think it's to do with soy wax being a lot softer (with different melting points) than say paraffin or beeswax.

Hope this helps and good luck with the testing.

Oddsox:)

wrote this while sparkydad was posting. I would agree, if the spike is too big to just push the candle in then try a smal drill bit by hand.

[name]

thanks for your reply everyone

Sparkysdad, you are right it is difficult to make pillar candles with soy, but if i use pillar soy wax and the right size wick it seems to be o.k, although i need to do lots more testing.