Candle Making
Last Updated on Thursday, 06 November 2008 13:52
Hand dipped candles require a dipping tube,which can be bought from a range of suppliers such as Thornes. The one shown is 33cm high. The picture belows shows two Bain Marie set up- the one on the right is a general "reservoir" for topping up the one on the left. Although not obvious, the one on the left is made up of a asparagus cooking pot (about 11 inches tall) into which the dipping tube is sat (its propped up so its not directly touching the bottom). The tin foil helps to keep the heat in.
Preparing beeswax for candle making
Molten Beeswax ready for candle making
Selecting a wick - As beeswax requires a different diamater to paraffin wax - so check the diameter or purchase from a beekeeping supplier
Dipping the wick into beeswax - I hold it in for about 30 seconds. You can see I am doing both ends - this will make two candles.
Beeswax Candles - Rolling the dipped wick flat
Repeated dippings are needed
First few candles on the cooling rack - they need to be straightened at every dipping at this stage.
You can use a glass plate to roll the wicks
Candles are building up
Topping up from the beeswax reservoir - notice the drips. I use tin foil everywhere!
Adding beeswax to the candle dipping tube
You need to regularly scrape the rolling plate/tray
A production batch of candles - note the moulds underneath to use up the excess beeswax