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  1. SilverMaple

    Lye calculation with goat or coconut milk

    I use 5-6% superfat for milk soaps, and simply use the same amount of milk as the recipe calls for with water. If you are a little short on milk, you can simply make up the difference with water. If you are using a milk powder, you can either mix that into your water before you add your lye...
  2. SilverMaple

    Best place to buy Lye?

    I haven't purchased lye for a couple of years-- I lucked out and found a great sale and bought a bunch at once. However, I'm now getting low and need more, and was wondering where the best online place to buy was. I looked at 8 pounds from a supplier I've used in the past and they wanted more...
  3. SilverMaple

    To stir or not to stir HP

    I don't stir until I add colorant/scent, although sometimes I will need to to help it cool, and I can tell with the finished bar that it's not as smooth. If you're concerned about a smooth pour with HP, add a bit of honey, use beer for the liquid, or add about 2% Sodium Lactate to the soap...
  4. SilverMaple

    Intentionally 'skin drying' soap.

    To each his own! I can't go over 20% CO without getting all dry and itchy. I made salt bars with a very high superfat and still hated it. Interesting to see how the experiment turns out. I made a laundry soap with 100% CO/0% SF and it cleans great, but is very drying to the skin.
  5. SilverMaple

    Wrap it or Jell it??

    I gel most of my soaps, but my Goat's Milk soaps go straight into the freezer for at least a day to prevent gel. Then they sit out on the soap room table for a day or two until they are firm enough to unmold (this depends on humidity and time of year more than anything-- sometimes it's only a...
  6. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    I got my multi-bar cutter from Bud last week, and I LOVE it! Complete logs of perfectly-cut soap!~ It's well worth it! It came packaged superbly, shipped earlier than anticipated, and is really well-made. Very pleased. Bud is excellent to work with.
  7. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    I got the multi-bar. Was debating between that and the single and just decided if I'm going to get one, I'd best just get what I want. Bud was great-- he let me know he got the order, that my request for 1 1/8 spacing would be fine, and about how long i can expect to wait for it to be made...
  8. SilverMaple

    If I sell only one olive oil soap, what scent should it be, if any?

    Citronella reminds me too much of the fly spray I use on my horses.... if you want to go the herbal route, I'd suggest lavender, a mint of some type, or lemongrass. I personally can't stand lemongrass but it is popular.
  9. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    They were the least expensive multi-bar cutters I've seen with raving reviews. I have a couple of single-bar cutters but aren't happy with the results. The way I see it, Bud's cutter will pay for itself within a year based on the number of bars I usually deem 'unsellable' due to being cut...
  10. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    I was able to reach him and he is relisting some things in his shop. I ordered my cutter. So excited! :-)
  11. SilverMaple

    If I sell only one olive oil soap, what scent should it be, if any?

    I sell more unscented Goat's Milk Olive Oil soap than anything else. Can't make it fast enough.
  12. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    Thanks--- I'll try to contact him again. I'd love to buy from him if I can-- always nice to support a small business artisan :-)
  13. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    I haven't been able to reach Bud-- someone said he's closed for awhile due to health problems and an order backlog? I've heard great things, but don't really want to wait months to get a cutter. What's his turnaround time once he's open for business again?
  14. SilverMaple

    Can anyone troubleshoot the dots and streaks??

    I've had the same thing happen when I didn't remelt and stir the Palm. I usually set mine outside on a really hot day to melt it, then stir it periodically when I bring it inside to cool.
  15. SilverMaple

    Has anyone used this soap cutter?

    I have decided I am done with crooked soap and need to shell out for a good multi-bar cutter. I love the Tank, but the price is still more than I'm comfortable spending for my small business. I'm currently leaning toward the one Brambleberry has, but has anyone used this one from Soapmaking...
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