An embarrasing question...

[CFarmerlady]

So here's a really dumb question: How do I use the SAP value of a fat in my recipe?

 

[Hazel]

First - there aren't any dumb questions. I'm impressed that you want to learn to calculate your own lye amount. I'm lazy and use an online calculator.

This article might help you. http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soapg ... Number.htm

On the other hand if you're using soapcalc.net, you could substitute an oil which has a SAP value close to bayberry.

http://www.soapcalc.net/calc/OilList.asp

 

[CFarmerlady]

Thanks!
So, from what I can see, 4 lb of pure bayberry wax would need 14.08 oz (or 13.376 oz at 5% discount) of NaOH.

But will it be a hard bar? I guess I'll have to find out for myself :twisted:

 

[Hazel]

Yup! I come up with the same amount of lye using the calculation from about.com.

Please post back about the bayberry soap. I'm interested in hearing how it turns out.

 

[Lilahblossom]

Are you using only the Bayberry wax? Don't you have to use some oils or tallow?

 

[judymoody]

Hi and welcome!

If you're going to use bayberry wax, I'd start with a much smaller amount. If it doesn't work out, you will have wasted less raw material.

I've never used this material but I don't think you could make soap out of it without combining it with some kind of fat. Alone, it might saponify but will probably produce a waxy bar with very little lather. I suppose there's only one way to find out but I'd start with a pound batch.

I agree with Hazel, look for a sap value that is around 220. Go to soapcalc and try beeswax, candelilla wax or jojoba to see how they compare.

The lye is likely to kill the scent but again, you won't know until you try.

Let us know how it turns out!

 

[Stinkydancer]

First - there aren't any dumb questions. I'm impressed that you want to learn to calculate your own lye amount. I'm lazy and use an online calculator.

This article might help you. http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soapg ... Number.htm

On the other hand if you're using soapcalc.net, you could substitute an oil which has a SAP value close to bayberry.

http://www.soapcalc.net/calc/OilList.asp

It isn't lazy hun...it's accurate.
I do mine for Cream soap and it's just no fun. LOL

 

[Hazel]

First - there aren't any dumb questions. I'm impressed that you want to learn to calculate your own lye amount. I'm lazy and use an online calculator.

This article might help you. http://candleandsoap.about.com/od/soapg ... Number.htm

On the other hand if you're using soapcalc.net, you could substitute an oil which has a SAP value close to bayberry.

http://www.soapcalc.net/calc/OilList.asp

It isn't lazy hun...it's accurate.
I do mine for Cream soap and it's just no fun. LOL

Thanks for saying it's not laziness. I still should learn to do it just in case soapcalc ever goes down (which has happened in the past).