Since I have only made six batches of soap so far, I am still not sure on what to expect as far as consistency goes. My first batch (50% lard, 30% OO, 15% CO, 5% castor) was firm and ready to unmold and cut 24 hours (I used a silicone mold). Second batch was the mechanic soap (70% lard, 30% CO) was ready to unmold and cut in 6 hours. When I tweaked Batch 1 (55% lard, 25% OO, 15%Co, 5% castor) it was not ready to unmold and cut until 41 hours, but I didn't think too much of it, it is now about a week old and seems to have hardened pretty good, so I don't think it is an issue with the lye or ingredients. Then yesterday I made another batch of mechanic soap using the exact same recipe (only difference was the pumice wasn't from the same supplier) and now at 16 hours, it isn't totally firm, it still can be indented when pressed on the corner. From reading through the forums, I was under the impression that the same batch should be ready to unmold and cut around the same time each time. Would weather affect consistency since I keep them in our unheated garage? With the first couple of batches I made (around Christmas) it was warmer than it is now, and I was wondering if the colder weather would affect it? (If this is a silly question, I'm sorry, just still trying to learn what to expect and to know when there is a problem with my soap or supplies.)