Teach Soap

Reading one of Heather's replies in a different thread, I think she might have hit on my problem with the NG Base. I do use the microwave to melt my base, from what I read in her post It might be over heating. I don't own a double boiler, what kind do I want to get? I really don't want anything with a PTFE coating, would one without work?

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~Michelle~

Butt's my big dog:)

I use the microwave all the time. I cube my MP and melt til there are still some little chunks in it. Then I stir the rest of the way. You need to melt MP in small short bursts, so the base doesn't overheat. I sell a lot and a double boiler would take forever.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I do it in 30 second intervals, for the most of 3 times.

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~Michelle~

Butt's my big dog:)

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Sorry, should have said that first, it was just 1 lb.

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~Michelle~

Butt's my big dog:)

Maybe you have a low wattage microwave? Mine would melt all in about 45 seconds.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

Thank I'll have to see if I can figure that out. It came with the house and I can say I hardly ever use it for anything until now. Is there something else I could heat up and check the temp to see what my soaps are getting at each interval without ruining more base?

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~Michelle~

Butt's my big dog:)

I don't know where you live but Harbour Freight has laser thermometers pretty cheap.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I can set the level of my microwave - so I tend to do it at 50% for 30 seconds and watch it the whole time.

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The Soapinatrix! *whip-crack*
- Posting the trials and tribulations of my Soaping Journey!

Mine is super old and low powered, and 1lb would take maybe 1 minute. I generally do 30 seconds, take it out and check, 30 seconds etc etc. If I notice it is about 50-60% melted I may only do 15 or 20 seconds. Once it is about 80-85% melted I take it out and stir it until the rest is melted. If it starts to set up a bit you can always pop it back in for 15-20 seconds.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

My mom is going to make me a DB out of what we got. I heard it's recommended in a book and i'm all good with it taking longer. will help me not feel cheated out of CP cause of my health

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"suffering in any form can make you stronger or weaker. I chose stronger"

Glass(pyrex) bowl over a pot that would fit it. You now have a double boiler. Also, you could use a heating pad set to low; place the pad in a big bowl, place glass bowl onto pad. Set heat and stir.