Volume Recipe Help

[Goldensungod]

Does anybody know of any recipe using volume instead of weight as I don't have the money for a scale, but would like to start making CP soap. I saw one for a bacon soap. Does that seem like it would work or does it seem lye/fat heavy. I'll be investing in a scale as soon as I can but that might be months and I'd like to get started asap cuz I'm impatient.

Link deleted because of foul language.

 

[Relle]

The information on the site you linked is not very accurate, you NEED to have a scale and put your recipe through a lye calculator. The quantities they gave are so small, it would be hard to know if it would work. Be patient and get your scale first, as they said on the site, they are not soap makers, its more of an experiment. I don't think anyone will give you a volume recipe - anyone with any credibility anyway.
Scales are not that expensive, you should be able to pick up one for around $10 - $15 with 1 gram increments depending on what country you are in.

 

[DeeAnna]

The issue is accuracy. Volume measurements are simply not accurate enough for safety and good results. Save up your money and take Relle's advice.

I read the "bacon fat" thing, and it's clear the author was more interested in sounding cool and liberally using the "F" word than explaining the dull details of using lye safely and making sure the soap is safe to use. There are far more reputable and knowledgeable teachers out there -- and they measure by weight, not volume.

Add: There was a reason in my grandmother's day why homemade soap was considered to be second-rate stuff. The recipes were generally given in volume measurements and the resulting soap was harsh and drying, suitable only for laundry, not the bath.

Here are two relevant posts from a reputable blogger about weight versus volume measurements. She is talking about lotions and cosmetics in her blog, but her words apply to soap making too. See:

http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2012/03/question-how-do-i-figure-out-volume-of.html
http://swiftcraftymonkey.blogspot.com/2012/01/troubleshooting-epic-lotion-fail.html

 

[lsg]

I don't recommend that anyone make soap using volume measure, but I do think the Miller site has a recipe.

 

[Goldensungod]

Thanks for the advice. I made a batch of the soap from that recipe yesterday, again cuz I was impatient. It came out just a little bit harder than playdoh and I'm wondering is that normal for 100% lard soap or is it soft because of being fat heavy? If anybody knows?
I know I should have waited to get a scale but I'm young and have little patience as shown when I try to rush a mead to completion.

Also does anybody know what using some bonito flakes would do to soap? Bonito flakes are dried, cured pieces of fish that are then shaved thinly and used with kelp to make dashi which is japanese sea stock.

 

[Lindy]

If you didn't use a scale then anything is possible. You need a scale - end of story.

 

[mel z]

Scales are relatively cheap. You can get them locally, and not have to wait for online shipping. Walmart has them, Post Office has them, any kitchen gadget store has them, to name a few.

Bonito flakes will result in stinky soap, doubt you would enjoy the cure time, but no one would like to use it. Unless they are using it for catfishing.

 

[jcandleattic]

IMO if you can't afford a scale - the basic and one of the most necessary tools of soapmaking - then you can't afford to make soap.
I know it can be done by using volume instead of weight, but just because you can do something, doesn't mean you should.

Case in point I can jump off a bridge - should I? Probably not. :lolno:

 

[Candybee]

I have to agree with everyone on this. Its very important that you learn to weigh out accurately your ingredients when working with lye. I have a pair of scales I bought 7 yrs ago for $30. Most soap suppliers have the Escali scale I have. It weighs accurately in pounds, ounces, and most importantly in grams. I always weigh my lye in grams. Always!

It takes a lot of patience and money to make soap even if its just going to be a hobby. If you have neither I suggest you wait until you do or forget about it.

Also, if you just made your soap the other day it needs to cure. Thats why its soft. Let it cure preferably from 4-6 weeks.

I don't know about adding dried fish to your soap, but if you want to go that route I've heard of soaps using dried seaweed and or kelp. There is even spiralina (sp?) that is a blue green algae often used as a natural colorant for soap.