How to Make Tallow Taper Candles

Making Tallow Taper Candles From Home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dye Block or Dye Flake
• Pigment Dye
• 140 Melt Point Wax
• Stearic Acid
• Dipping Vat
• Dipping Frame
• Melting / Pouring Pot
• 1 Thermometer
• Wick
• Wire
• Pliers
• Nuts, or Washers
• Hobby Knife
• Old Unneeded Pot

1. 
   Perpairing a Dipper.

   A length of heavy wire is used to prepare a pair dipper.

2. 
   Shaping the Dipper.

   Use a pliers to form a U shape in both ends.

3. 
   Creating the Loop.

   Bend the center of the wire to form a loop for ease of use. This will make one pair of tapers at a time.

4. 
   Wrapping the Wick.

   * Nuts or washers are used to weight the bottom of the wicks for dipping.
   
   * Wrap the wick onto the frame as shown on the picture.

5. 
   Adding the Nuts to the Wick.

   Tie a washer or nut to the bottom of each end of the wick.

6. 
   The Vat.

   The dipping vat is set up as shown. NOTE: dipping vats cannot withstand direct heat and must be placed in a pot containing water to create a double boiler set up. It is a fire hazard to place dipping vats on direct heat as well.

7. 
   Shows the right way to Dip.

   The temperature you dip at will have a major bearing on how the finished candle looks. Temperatures in the 150 degree F. range will provide a more rustic look (great for re enactors). A smoother finish will be obtained in the 160 degree F. range. You may need to experiment a bit to find a dipping temperature that suits you.

8. 

   The first dip only needs to be held until air stops bubbling out of the wick. All dips after the first one are in and out, do not hold them in the wax. All dips need to be made to the same depth - the taper will form itself and no varying of dipping depth is required.

9. 

   Between dips the frame may be hung up if desired. Note that it is undesirable to let the previous dip cool 100% before redipping. although some cooling time between dips is desirable. a little experience will show what works best.

10. 

    It is a good idea to periodically stir the dipping wax to ensure even wax temperatures throughout. Color overdips should also be stirred frequently since the pigment will settle to the bottom.

11. 
    Cooling Methood

    * Repeat the dipping until the desired diameter is attained.
    
    *If a color overdip is desired, it should be done before the tapers cool. Once the tapers are firm to the touch, cut off the nuts / washers.

12. 
    Cutting.

    Place the candle on a clean, smooth surface such as glass or metal and roll a sharp knife blade back and forth to make a clean bottom cut.

13. 
    Trimming the Wick.

    Trim the wick to approximately 3/8 inch or leave the pair attached if you plan to hang them as a display.

14. 
    Final Stages.

    Slight warps can be corrected by rolling the candle on a smooth surface while it is still warm. Some candle makers like to polish their tapers by doing this after it is fully cooled to impart a slightly shinier surface.

15. 
    And, This is what they should look like. Depending on your dies.

    And Where Done Here.

Tips & Warnings

• This article assumes some basic knowledge of candle making techniques. If you are not an experienced candle maker, I highly suggest taking a few moments to learn the basics of working with wax safely with an Introduction To Candle Making Online Course.
• Handling Wax,heat,and vats are dangerous. Please Use Caution At All Times.

Resources

• Buy Candle Making Products.

[chenderson00]

on 2/22/2009 I love this! Adding to my favs! 5*s