Recent content by NittyGritty

Great, thanks everyone!

Unfortunately, not well. This particular mixer didn't really get the mixture, well, mixing too well. I had to plug in my stick blender to finish it. I would recommend trying a different model. It did, however, do a fantastic job of mixing a 50lb bucket of separated palm oil! :)

I expect that everyone is a bit different here, but is there any consensus about when soap is ready? I've heard 4-6 weeks, but recently tried some of mine even before 3 weeks and found it to be pretty much ok. Is it just too dependent on recipe, racks, air movement, temperature, humidity, etc...

OK, final question*! True or False: If a container of melted palm oil is properly stirred as it solidifies, it does NOT need to be stirred ever again, for the rest of it's life, as long as it doesn't partially or fully melt. (*probably not...sorry!)

If homogenized palm oil melts, you essentially have non-homogenized palm oil and have to melt/stir for use like you would their regular palm oil products, right?

Aside from the no-stir element, can you tell me a bit about the differences between the homogenized palm oil and the "normal" palm oil I've been buying from SC? And why do they say this: "We will not refund, or credit, customers for any damaged, or melted product resulting from warm / hot...

I'm wondering, from people who have experience either way, how you would answer this question: "The true, no drama, worst case scenario if I don't melt and stir my entire batch of palm oil each time I use it is ______________________________."

I picked up this puppy at Home Depot for $7! Thanks for the advice...we'll see how it works.

I'm going to try some oatmeal soap and wondering if I should add the oatmeal whole or ground, or if it matters? Is it personal preference?

Thanks everyone! Lots of good information and tips here - I appreciate it.

Anyone got a good lead on the best online lye source?

My understanding of palm oil is that, before pouring out the few ounces you need for a recipe, you need to ensure that the entire bottle is melted and mixed, right? I have a 5 lb container of it that I've been placing in warm water for a few minutes to melt it all, then shaking it, then pouring...

Hi everyone, I'm wondering if there's a "best" place to buy wholesale oils? I've ordered from Soaper's Choice for my palm/olive/etc oils a couple of times and they seem fine. But I'm curious if there are resources for cheaper oils that I just don't know about since I'm so new at this...

Great calculator, thanks! One more question: the calculator only allows for me to select a single oil. If I add more than one oil, should I use the full recommended amount of both? Example: for 50oz of oils in a cold process soap, the calculator says to use 1oz of patchouli for a strong...

Ok, thanks you guys! Glad I found this site!