for those of you who use a PVC pipe as a mold

[ilovedoxies]

How do you secure the end so that soap batter doesn't leak out?

I bought some piping today and had them cut it up into 5" pieces. I'm going to make a stain stick.

I also treated myself with a new pair of stylish safety glasses, lol!!

 

[carebear]

I make longer "logs" - 12" and seal the ends by wrapping very tightly in a few layers of garbage bags rubber banded on then taped with duct tape to keep it from falling off.

 

[justme]

my home depot has little yellow caps that fit in the different pipe sizes. You can tape them to the bottom of the pipe for safety. They also have one that screws in tight, but the screw is huge. so I try not to use that till I get my stand made for it.

 

[ChrissyB]

I got some of the end caps, but the pvc pipes that I got are just a little too big so I don't use them very much.

 

[RockinRodeoChick]

I use the endcaps too, then duct tape them on. I've found that if I don't, and tap the mold, the endcap comes out...

 

[cathym]

I bought some pvc pipe at the hardware store and had them cut it to 14"- they gave me an end cap which fits snugly on the bottom. I used it for my melt and pour but even though I greased the tube and used freezer paper as a liner I couldn't get the soap out!!!! finally dug it out - suggestions? :roll:

 

[xyxoxy]

I use two different endcaps. One is hard plastic and flat. I put that on first. Then over top that I use a black rubber cap that has a metal clamp. The clamp has a hex head screw that lets you tighten it up around the pipe. Works great for me.

 

[RockinRodeoChick]

I bought some pvc pipe at the hardware store and had them cut it to 14"- they gave me an end cap which fits snugly on the bottom. I used it for my melt and pour but even though I greased the tube and used freezer paper as a liner I couldn't get the soap out!!!! finally dug it out - suggestions? :roll:

Try sticking it in the freezer for a few hours. If you're still having trouble, take it right from the freezer and run it under warm water.

 

[mychicknpi]

What is the smallest diameter you would use to make soap? Could one use 3/4? Does it matter if it is not sch 40? What is the best lining agent for it? Do you think silicon spray lubricant would work?
Thanks,
Anna

 

[ilovedoxies]

Lowe's had caps but they were rounded.

I bought a 1" wooden rod. I'm going to try to line it w/a little vasaline and use the rod to push it thru.

 

[xyxoxy]

The rubber caps I buy from Home Depot are flat on the bottom with an indentation that goes a little up inside the pipe... I have not looked for them at Lowes but I don't see why they would not sell them. They are black rubber caps used for pressure testing... they are not permanent PVC caps.

I line my tubes with flexible plastic chopping mats cut to size. The soap slides right out. I used to use vaseline but it was messy. I don't think I would use silicone spray on my soap.

 

[cathym]

I'm going to try the plastic flexible cutting mats - what a great idea. I know that the soapequipment guy sells teflon liners -would that be similar?

 

[xyxoxy]

I'm going to try the plastic flexible cutting mats - what a great idea. I know that the soapequipment guy sells teflon liners -would that be similar?

I have not seen those teflon liners... but you can pick up a 2 pack of the flexible chopping mats at the dollar store and you can also get them in 4 or 5 packs for a couple of dollars at Target and KMart etc.

 

[mychicknpi]

Thanks for the info. You can get teflon lining sheets in fabric stores often times, too. I like the idea of those cutting mats, lots of great ideas. What would be the best thing for stain stick storage? Could you make a stain soft soap type of thing? I think that would be something I would use here, not too runny but something that would soak in as a pre-treater?
Anna

 

[cathym]

ok, so you line the pvc pipe with the cutting mat. does the soap slide out WITH the liner leaving the tube behind or does the soap slide out leaving the liner in place? :roll:

 

[MagiaDellaLuna]

ok, so you line the pvc pipe with the cutting mat. does the soap slide out WITH the liner leaving the tube behind or does the soap slide out leaving the liner in place? :roll:

It slides out with the liner, then peel the liner away from the soap. My flexible mats have a rough "matt" side and a shiny side. The shiny side is placed towards the inside so that the soap is poured against it. The matt side is against the PVC pipe.

 

[redfishingirl]

I use the endcaps too, then duct tape them on. I've found that if I don't, and tap the mold, the endcap comes out...

YEP. Been there.

 

[cathym]

thanks so much for all the info. I found 2 sheets of cutting mat for 1$ at the hardware store and just like you said it slid right out! I tried a 2" pipe and it makes cute sample soaps.

 

[RockinRodeoChick]

I use the endcaps too, then duct tape them on. I've found that if I don't, and tap the mold, the endcap comes out...

YEP. Been there.

Isn't it such great fun? Hehe

 

[edree]

I get the caps for the pipe