Soapmaker calc?

[SimplyE]

I downloaded the trial version, but am confused about the liquid percentage. When I input it with the same % of liquids/oils as the soapcalc, the % of liquid in soapmaker about is 5 oz less for a 3-lb batch at 10.67 oz vs 15.8 oz .

I use the same H20 as % of oils.

I am corn-fused :? :? Are you with how I asked this???

I do love how it figures out cost!

 

[Becky]

Every calculator will give you a different amount of water, I have noticed.

I can't see a spot in the preferences to change anything but the water discount amount.

If you use the same amount of water as of oils, maybe just ignore the water amount & use the oils total weight to figure how much water you need.

 

[digit]

Here, this will make it clear as mud. :roll:
http://www.aquasapone.com.au/soapmaking ... edcp1.html

It took me awhile to get the concept of the differences in my head. Slips out every now and then. There is a simple explanation that I cannot find at this moment. Diane (Woodi) is on the forum and should be by soon to help.

Digit

 

[Woodi]

Hi SimplyE,

The techie answer is:

In SoapMaker, lye is calculated according to the oils used. Water weight is calculated as: undiscounted lye weight times 2.33. This will create a 30% lye solution.

You can discount your water (plus or minus) in any recipe, and SoapMaker will display the resulting lye solution strength.

You can set your 'preferred water discount' in your Preferences, so when you open a New Recipe, the preferred water discount will automatically be used.

Now, don't forget to discount from your water amount any other liquids you use, such as scent. SoapMaker will do this for you when you click on the little box next to each scent.

If you browse the FAQ on SoapMaker, there is a huge store of knowledge there, for you to read. It's at www.soapmaker.ca/support.htm.

There is also a Soapmaker Users Group you can join if you wish to ask any and all such questions there.

My personal answer as a longtime soapmaking mama is:

Your water amount should be closer to half the oils amount, not equal to it. If you have too much water, your soap may take months and months to harden, and be too soft for a long while.

I personally like to use a 12% water discount and a 5% water discount. This allows for errors in measurement or wonky scale, and also helps keeps the soap harder than a larger discount would.

HTH!