Thermometer
If you want to make good quality candles, then make sure that you have a candle making thermometer. Waxes melt at particular temperatures and different candles require different temperatures. Once wax is heated to a 100 degrees vapours are released and at this point it should be treated as flammable oil.
As wax gets hotter it's inner structure changes and it is impossible to guess the temperature of liquid wax, therefore, the only way that you can be sure that you are working at the correct temperature, and get good results, is to use the right sort of thermometer. A clinical thermometer from the bathroom cabinet is of no use, as you need one that is calibrated between 38 and 180 degrees. This may sound a bit technical or make you want to put this hobby on hold for now, but it is really no big deal, you can go visit my blog for tips and advice or send me mail to get a quote and order a thermometer that will be mailed to you anywhere in the world.
Double Boiler
This should be made of stainless steel or aluminium, and the upper part should have a capacity of at least 3 litres. If necessary, then you can use one saucepan standing inside another, although I personally do not use double boilers simply because it takes to long for my liking. I use any seamless pot even ones that you get from some florist supplies, but generally any old household pot or camping kettle is perfect for melting wax.
Dipping can
This is a tall cylindrical container used for holding liquid wax for dipping candles after removal from the moulds. You also need these type of container for making handmade dinner candle, which is one of my all time favorites. I personally have several of these cans and one large 6 pot industrial double boiler. I got a welding company to put together 500mm by 100mm steel pipes with round bases and handles for me but if you have a friend or a handy husband then you just need the steel.
Measuring flask or jug
This is needed for determining the capacity of a mould and is necessary if you are making a small number of candles for home use or as gifts for friends. Fill your mould with water and then empty it into flask. For every 100mm of water you will need about 90g of solid wax.
Weighing scales
Ordinary kitchen scales are ideal for weighing materials.
Wick needles
These are steel needles 10-25cm long and they are very useful for inserting wicks and for securing the wick at the base of the mould. Personally I use small rectangular pieces of wood with a hole drilled through the middle but this is only useful if your base is large enough to allow space to pour the liquid wax.
Bowls
Washing-up bowls are ideal and you may need more than one if you are making a few candles. A bowl of hot water is used to keep dipping cans at the right temperature, whilst cold water is used as a water bath to speed up the cooling process.
Heat
You will need a source of heat for melting the wax. An ordinary domestic cooker(gas or electric) is ideal. Try to work a close as possible to your heat source, because wax loses heat quite quickly when it is placed on a cooler surface, it is quite the nuisance when you are making a number of candles and have to run back and forth to reheat your wax.
If you require further information you can visit my blog and post any questions you may have on candle making or simply follow the blog for tips and advice. I am the owner of this blog and have been making candles for 13 years, and will personally answer your questions.
I started this blog as a dedication to my late Mother and candle making partner to help others in their creative endeavors by supplying tips, advice, equipment and materials. I currently have a ready to go candle making kit available to those who would like to try this craft. Candle making is a relatively inexpensive hobby.
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