Soap Makers Help!

[Bettacreek]

I'm beginning to wonder if some people are more sensitive than others. I don't ever wear gloves to make soap. I've gotten straight lye, 3:1 water:lye solution on me and raw soap on me, and have yet to have any issues. Even when I had an issue and couldn't rinse raw soap off of my arm (just wiped it with a towel quick) and had it there for about an hour, it only so much as left a red mark. Nothing terrible.

Maybe I just have thick skin? Lol.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

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I don't wear gloves either, but I do wear safety glasses and I keep vinegar nearby.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I want to make a eucalyptus soap. My EO chart says it's a top note. Should I mix it with another oil? I can't imagine anything jiving with it. I'm thinking it would be a great bar to shower with when you have a cold

Input please!

 

[Morgaine]

While Eucalyptus is super strong OOB, it is a fader in soap so it needs an anchor. I make Spearmint Eucalyptus and throw in some patchouli in there. No one can smell the patch, but I have 5 month old soap and it still smells strong. I do 2 parts Eucalyptus to 1 part Spearmint and use .5 oz of patchouli per 5 lbs of base oil(not the eo's) as an anchor.

 

[RockyToggRanch]

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Cool! I have all of those. It's on my list for this weekend Thanks!

 

[Sooner]

I would like some tips on cutting soap, I can never manage to cut straight & uniform!

I messured & scored but still didn't get it right!

 

[Morgaine]

Wish I could help you there but I suck at cutting straight too. I use wire cutters now. Have you thought about a miter box? You can get them at the hardware store.

 

[Sooner]

I have one of those & I do okay with it but I see all the pictures & everyone's looks so perfect. I guess it will just take time! I got pic's of my lemon grass & will upload it tomorrow. It was my first swirl & it turned out pretty good. I hope to get to make another batch this weekend!

 

[Morgaine]

I use a tank cutter fom here, http://www.forcraftssake.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7_8&products_id=20
I LOVE my tank! My favorite piece of soaping equipment. Cutting soap is one of my favorite things to do.

If you are handy, you could make a cutter, or have you thought about a cheese cutter like this? http://www.amazon.com/Fox-Run-Marble-Cheese-Slicer/dp/B0000VZA2W/ref=pd_bxgy_k_img_b

 

[Sooner]

The commercial cutter is really neat but more than I need at this point, the cheese cutter would work. Somehow I think it might just be the operator!