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I've been doing research about properties of oils prior to developing my first soap. I've started putting together some recipes using SoapCalc to make "soap math" a little easier as I start out. I now have several recipes to begin purchasing supplies for. I did come up with more recipes to...

Ph strips can tell you the ph of the item - it doesn't just tell you if it is neutral. So is this method of testing just not considered accurate for soaping?

Thank you. I can't wait to try this!

Glad to hear no soap makers were harmed during the soaping session turned science experiment. :) I also just added this note to my notebook of tips for a newbie like me. So thanks.

Do you add the sugar to your oils?

The ghostly swirl looks pretty cool. :) Do you just do the zap test or do you also use Ph testing strips?

Thanks for the info about it drying out your skin. I wonder if there is anything you can do to prevent that? It seems like the more research I do, the more questions I have. :mrgreen:

Herbs and clay vs mica and mineral pigments...that is the question... While I am testing recipes I won't be using any essential oils or color. I want to see how just the basic recipes I create behave before I start adding anything like fragrance or color. That said, with shipping costs...

Lye Guy does seem like the best option for now. I didn't see pricing listed on the page, but since so many people use Lye Guy, I'm assuming it is reasonable. I might still check with a local chemical supply to find out how large of an order I would have to place with them. Not for now...

I am currently looking for lye suppliers. Some of the ones I have checked out have very high shipping rates. Can anyone suggest a company with more reasonable shipping rates or does lye just cost more than usual to ship?

Thanks everyone. I'm going to check out the cutter mentioned.

I've searched the forum and read a few opinions on molds, but many of them were a little older. So loaf vs slab with dividers... Do you prefer one over the other? If so, why? If you love your loaf molds, what is your favorite cutting tool?

Thanks for all the replies. Now I have some options to look for. It is also good to know that the saponification process should be completed by the time I'm cutting the soap.

Thanks for your input. Basically no metal unless it is in someway covered. I might try to pick up something similar to the picture below as long as it is made of a plastic that is soap friendly. From my reading, the best plastic to find would be #5. Would you agree?

Do you line the shelf you put your soap on to cure? Can you use aluminum sheet pans for curing if you line the pan? I ask because I have found a reasonably priced bakers rack and thought that would be a great thing for curing soaps on. Thanks!

I've been researching what tools I need to be able to fall down the cp rabbit hole, lol. Seriously though, I'm super excited!

Thanks everyone! It is good to know that my thought of 1-2 pounds for testing recipes is a good idea. I'm currently checking out some molds that I might end up purchasing. I'm making a shopping list this weekend :)

I've made melt and pour soap in the past, but I'm just beginning my journey in cold process soap. I know I will have to experiment with different recipes to discover what I like best / what works best. So I want to make some small batches. What size molds do you suggest for small test...

Some of my daughter's favorite melt and pour soaps were ones that had a rubber duck that sat on top. Just another idea for one that might last longer than a toy all the way in the soap.

Thanks everyone! Glad to see there are a few people from Missouri on here :)