Hi Everyone,
Just a few questions I have been wondering about.
1. Is there a difference in total batch weight between a processed HP batch ready to mold vs. a CP batter ready to pour? In other words, during the HP, does some of the water cook out and reduce the volume of the batch?
2. I’ve noticed that some soapers will put their molded soap outside during colder weather for the first 24 hours. To those of you that do this - Were there any special considerations that you took into account when doing this? Did you do this to stop the gel stage? What temperature range would you consider ideal for placing the filled mold outside?
3. Does a slab mold dissipate heat quicker than a log mold? In other words, more surface area and thinner = faster cooling of the batter.
4. I am using a reliable HP recipe scaled down to a 500 gram batch. Are there any issues that I need to be aware of using CP?
BTW: I will not be adding scent or color in my first CP batch and yes I did use a lye calculator to adjust the recipe down.
5. Since my first CP batch will be 500 grams (oil weight), do I only stick blend to light trace or blend to medium trace before pouring into the mold?
6. How well do you trust your scale? Do you test/recalibrate it? How often? Is it better to have a plug in scale rather than a battery powered one that shuts down by itself?
7. What style and brand of infrared thermometer do you use?
8. What types of information do you record on your recipe data sheets? Date batch was made, batter temps, mold type, type of weather, humidity level, house temperature or any other aspects of the process? Do you have a form you fill out or just wing it?
9. I think I’m OCD! Why do I have so many questions? No – you do not have to answer that one. :wink:
Deka
Just a few questions I have been wondering about.
1. Is there a difference in total batch weight between a processed HP batch ready to mold vs. a CP batter ready to pour? In other words, during the HP, does some of the water cook out and reduce the volume of the batch?
2. I’ve noticed that some soapers will put their molded soap outside during colder weather for the first 24 hours. To those of you that do this - Were there any special considerations that you took into account when doing this? Did you do this to stop the gel stage? What temperature range would you consider ideal for placing the filled mold outside?
3. Does a slab mold dissipate heat quicker than a log mold? In other words, more surface area and thinner = faster cooling of the batter.
4. I am using a reliable HP recipe scaled down to a 500 gram batch. Are there any issues that I need to be aware of using CP?
BTW: I will not be adding scent or color in my first CP batch and yes I did use a lye calculator to adjust the recipe down.
5. Since my first CP batch will be 500 grams (oil weight), do I only stick blend to light trace or blend to medium trace before pouring into the mold?
6. How well do you trust your scale? Do you test/recalibrate it? How often? Is it better to have a plug in scale rather than a battery powered one that shuts down by itself?
7. What style and brand of infrared thermometer do you use?
8. What types of information do you record on your recipe data sheets? Date batch was made, batter temps, mold type, type of weather, humidity level, house temperature or any other aspects of the process? Do you have a form you fill out or just wing it?
9. I think I’m OCD! Why do I have so many questions? No – you do not have to answer that one. :wink:
Deka