this might be a silly question...

[busymakinsoap!]

but, I am dying to try a slab mold. I've been waiting patiently for my partner to make a wooden one for me, but he is way too busy at the mo.

I know I can use bakeware, but they have rounded ends, and I want square.

I have read on here that you cannot use metal. I made the mistake of using a metal nonstick loaf once and it reacted. But what if the tray was stainless steel?

I know you cant cure soap on a metal rack because of DOS, but what if the tin was lined? would it still be too risky or could it be done?

Thanks

 

[JackiK]

I would avoid using the metal. Try going to a local dollar store or something. Search around the house. You'd be surprised at what you have that will work. Maybe cut down the sides of a cardboard box to the depth you want.

 

[NancyRogers]

If you have a craft store near you, try the unpainted wood section. I found a nice little wooden box at Michael's. It even has a lid. I've used it with great success. Just line and go.

 

[falldowngobump]

My Aunt lined a small drawer with freezer paper and made soap in it once. It worked out great. I think it was a small drawer out of an old chest she had in the garage and it wasn't being used.

 

[Bubbles Galore]

I'd use a lined and strong cardboard box. Gift boxes work well. :wink:

 

[carebear]

Stainless is fine - in theory, but aluminum is terrible. If you are confident that your container is stainless then you can try it - but be aware that unless it is high quality stainless, you can end up with DOS fairly quickly.

I'd advise against it.

 

[Bayougirl]

The first slab soap I made, I used a post office box (medium flat rate) cut in half and lined with freezer paper. It actually worked out pretty well. My DH later made 2 for me, I've been using the loaf molds alot more, but like the slab mold for swirls.

 

[busymakinsoap!]

thanks everyone, I guess I knew metal wasnt a good idea :?

I didnt even think about a thick type of cardbard - might give that a try.

Im acutally thinking...it cant be THAT har to make a square right? My partners a builder so we have loads of wood lying around. I might give it a try myself - desperate times call for desperate measures :wink:

 

[Relle]

Like you, I'm waiting on a mould, now all I have to do is find the hammer :roll:,I use a scroll saw to do some woodworking so use to using some tools. Think it will be quicker in the long run.

 

[SudsyKat]

I made a lot of soap using milk cartons (cut one side so that it's a flip-up lid). It worked great. I also used metal (like a baking pan), and lined it very neatly and completely with freezer paper. It worked fine.

 

[lovelysuds]

I swear dollar tree is great for soaping. They have these perfect pencil organizers made from clear durable plastic I get them 2 for $1 for med & 1 for $1 large. I got an old ice maker bin (that your freezer would automatically fill) its my fave. it makes perfect straight bars & I don't have to line it. got it at a yard sale. for less than $1

 

[cinta]

My Aunt lined a small drawer with freezer paper and made soap in it once. It worked out great. I think it was a small drawer out of an old chest she had in the garage and it wasn't being used.

What a great idea!

 

[MeadowHillFarmCT]

I swear dollar tree is great for soaping. They have these perfect pencil organizers made from clear durable plastic I get them 2 for $1 for med & 1 for $1 large. I got an old ice maker bin (that your freezer would automatically fill) its my fave. it makes perfect straight bars & I don't have to line it. got it at a yard sale. for less than $1

I think I will have to take a trip to the dollar store.

DH made me a slab mold but it is for 6lbs (my usual batch). I recently bought a bunch of 1oz FO to try from Natures Garden so I need smaller 1lb molds..

At a flea market I found the most perfect wooden boxes for log molds and they were $2 each ....

 

[falldowngobump]

You found a great deal on those wood molds!!

 

[delicious]

Now THIS might be a silly question... but why does metal make soap more prone to DOS?

 

[lovelysuds]

That's not silly at all. Actually its a pretty good question, I'm really not sure. I know bc of lye most metals have a bad reaction. Not sure if there's still enough lye while curing to be the cause. You've got me thinking now.

You really scored with those molds! One of my favorite things about soaping is hunting for unique & cheap molds. I find myself buying things just for the container its in. LOL. I have a serious problem..but I like it :wink:

 

[MeadowHillFarmCT]

[quote="You really scored with those molds! One of my favorite things about soaping is hunting for unique & cheap molds. I find myself buying things just for the container its in. LOL. I have a serious problem..but I like it :wink:[/quote]

The one with two loafs are 6lb batches each side :shock: I line them with dog food bags. Our dog food comes in a thick plastic bag and they last forever. I just use them then wipe off soap and they are ready again...