Candle Making Tutorial
How to Break a Wax Block
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There are several
methods of breaking up a wax block. All of them lead to the ultimate goals of
having pieces of wax small enough to fit into the melting pot, and being able
to measure out wax to an exact weight. Some of them are easier (and safer) than
others. Here are three methods I recommend.
SAFETY
NOTE: It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear when engaged in the activity
of breaking a wax block into smaller chunks.
Bag, Board and
Hammer
Place your block of
wax in a plastic bag. Prop one end of the wax block up onto a board, as shown.
Strike the block in the center with a hammer. The block breaks roughly in half.
Take one half of the wax block, place it in the bag, and position it so one end
is propped up on the board. Strike this block in the center with a hammer. The
block again breaks roughly in half. Continue this way until you have chunks of
wax small enough to weigh and to fit in your melting pot. Use a large knife or
a cheese cutter to cut smaller pieces off your broken wax chunks for accuracy
in weighing.
Box and Hammer
Place your block of
wax in a box, as shown, and hit it neat the center with a hammer. The block
will break roughly in half.
Take one of these
halves, and lean it against the inside edge of the box. Hit it near the center,
and it will again break roughly in half. Continue this way until you have
chunks of wax small enough to weigh and to fit in your melting pot. Use a large
knife or a cheese cutter to cut smaller pieces off your broken wax chunks for
accuracy in weighing.
The Knife
Using an old knife,
you can cut pieces off the edges or corners of your wax block. You can also use
the knife to score your wax block with lines, indicating equal segments of the
block. A hatched or meat cleaver can also be used. Be careful of your fingers
and limbs when using a knife, hatchet or meat cleaver to break wax chunks off
your wax block.
SAFETY
NOTE: It is a good idea to wear protective eyewear when engaged in the activity
of breaking a wax block into smaller chunks.
