Teach Soap

So I'm really late on the uptake - finally got a copy of the SoapMaker software. I sat down yesterday to play with it, and wound up spending nearly the whole day on it! Can you say ADDICTION? Oh my, what a great program....love it.

I am trying to not turn it on until tonight lest I get caught up in it's powerful clutches...but I might give in....after all, it's a hot day that's just screaming lemonade, air conditioning, and a little "me" time.

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

I really like SoapMaker, too. Just today, I finally figured out how to create a blend formula in it so I can keep my inventory updated correctly when I masterbatch oils. Entering my first inventory took a couple of days, but it's great for me to glance through when I'm creating a new formula to see what additives I have on hand, instead of going through bins, and I love the reminders when you're getting low on something.

I love SM3 and the latest upgrades are very helpful. It's been spot on for resizing my batches to different molds and like Robert said, it's great for creating blends.

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

I actually really dislike the program, wish I could get a refund

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I will have to play more with that blends section.....I just had so much fun entering all my old recipes in to see the predictions of each. I also love that cost per bar function - that helps!

Why don't you like it, Heather?

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry

It has a lot of bugs, and some of their algorithms are really off. I'm able to do a better job on the same things with excel.

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

Speaking of software, does anyone have recommendations on a free lotion calculator (HLB-type)? Lotioncrafter's is $30, but I'm not at that level yet.

Wait, there are lotion programs!? LOL Never even thought to look for one! They are SUPER easy to figure out on paper though!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

The lotion calculators use a system called HLB to help you determine the amount of emulsifiers to add to specific oil/liquid mixtures to get a stable result that won't separate quickly. So normally, you decide on your lotion formula, then tell it which emulsifiers you're using and it kicks out the amounts to use of each. Or it'll tell you that your emulsifiers won't work so you can play around until you find ones that do work - and know how much to use. So you can play with it kind of like a soap calculator.

Ohhh interesting! Thanks Robert!

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~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

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Linda
I know the voices in my head aren't real, but they sure have some great ideas!

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- Stacey -

Anyone's life truly consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit. - Lillie Langtry