You really need to make a 500 - 600g oil batch, anything less and the chances of being lye heavy increase. If you then wanted to up that batch and make a 1000g recipe you would need to resize using soapcalc (or similar) you can't just double or triple it, soap doesn't work like that!
Also don't take it as read that a recipe in a book will be safe! Many aren't so it's always worth putting them through soap calc. although it may look confusing at first it is worth the time and effort to play with it to understand how different oils work before you make anything.

Hello and welcome!!

The courses at soap school are really good - make sure you write down any questions you have as otherwise you will forget, everything becomes a bit of a blur by day 2, but Sarah is a soap maker and also advises on setting up a soap business and she is happy to answer questions - although,sadly, she never explained how she trained her husband so well (you will see what I mean on the day)

Someone may mention it, we LOVE photos, so don't be shy and let us see what you are creating in your kitchen!!

I use the Lye from Homebase (that one is also available in some of the larger Sainsburys), but most of the time I raid the shelves of B&Q.

Where are you based?

Hi Sam and welcome......(told you they were nice)    :buttrf:

Jan       

Oh hello Jan!

I managed to find my way on here...thanks for the advise

Your hubby's cutters and molds are fantastic...!

I'm based in Manchester.  Corrie I will be sure to take pictures - although I'm sure a few of my experiments will be a right old mess..hehe (eh, you live and learn).  I have looked at the soapcalc and it sends me under, so confusing.  I will have a load of questions lined up for Sarah for sure...they are also running a session on labelling which I'm thinking I should also do.  Gosh, this stuff isnt easy is it..!  I didn't know B&Q sell it, are they cheaper than Homebase?  As for taking the recipe from a book - if I put in the ingredients etc, am I right in thinking it should tell me how much water and lye I should be using.  So sorry for the dumb question.  The melt & pour option (which I have done before) is so much easier...CP is way more interesting though x

Hello and a BIG welcome Sam, this is a great forum with lots of friendly people and great advice.    Hope you have a great time on your course............... :buttrf:

Theresa

Thank you Theresa x

Hi Sam,
Looking out for your email - thanks.

My advice would be to get to grips with how Soapcalc or similar lye calculators work - we've had lots of issues with people following recipes from books and the lye calculations are way out - so it's always worth double checking.

It's  a learning curve, for sure, but lots of people on here who are very happy to share advice and experience - enjoy  :buttrf:

HI sam Im a new soaperand you soon get the hang of it , I have had lots of advise form Jan who knows her stuff as do lots of them on here .

My only advise is USE SOAPCALC. I have recently posted a reciepe from a well known soaper and auther and the lye is out , so check and check again , and if you not sure pop on here and ask.

Im enjoying learning , and will also be contacting scott as soon as my child lets me .

Enjoy the learning and the wonderful products you will produce .

PS we NEED pictures  :mwaha:

Kathie

Hello and welcome! :buttrf:

Hi & welcome!   

Thanks for the advice everyone.  I will have a go at the soap calc today.  Cheers Jan for the heads up.  Will drop you an email if I'm confused xxx

Shall let you know how I get on.

Also, thanks a lot Scott for the email this morning.  Made my day

helllo  :buttrf:

Welcome! :buttrf:

Hello and Welcome!  :buttrf:

Hi guys,

Quick question about the soap calc.

Once you have in put all your ingredients and hit the view and print button.  It takes you to a screen with a breakdown of all the weights etc.  Can someone tell me what warning signs I should be looking for...how do I know if there is too much lye in my recipe...should it tell me on this screen?

Thanks

Sam