*** Quoting Lee Ann Hamm from a message to Carol Shenkenberger ***
CS>LAH> Microwave Instructions: Put wax in a microwave safe bowl with a 
ourin
  >LAH> spout and place in microwave oven.  Set oven to medium and warm until
  >LAH> beeswax has just melted.
CS>Shudder!  As a long time candlemaker, I cant imagine anything more
  >than this method.  I'd rather heat gasoline than wax this way.
LAH> Oooh, I didn't realize this.  I guess it'd be safer on the stovetop.
Smile, didnt mean to come on too strong there.  Afterwards, I kinda was 
afraid you may have felt a bit bashed about that note.
Glad you arent!
Anyways, here some safety tips, from a long time candlemaker.
(On nuking the wax, I have no experience but considering how microwaves work, 
its gonna splatter hot wax all over the elctronics.  Not safe sounding to 
!)
Safe wax heating is actually quite easy, but takes a bit extra time.  Advise 
no children be allowed this craft below age 12 or so (averages there, yours 
may not be ready by then, or may be ready by age 8).  Remember wax, melted, 
is HOT and will make you blind if you are so short you csan pull a pot of it 
onto your face.  Thats why this is best done when the toddlers are in bed.
Now that I've scared you silly, here is how to do it *safely*.
Double boiler method required.
Take a lump of wax, and place it in a can, or a melting pot.  Then place the 
melting pot, in another full of hot water.  There should be at least 2 inches 
water clearance on all sides of the melting pot.  (My stew pot for the boiler 
pot and a can that used to have coffee, is perfect sized).  Heat water on a 
'less than simmer' heat for an uncovered pot.  For safety reasons, do not 
boil the water.  Just be patient.  Do not cover pot, or it will boil without 
you realizing it.
Regular parafin wax will be melted at the rate of about 1 lb every 20 mins.
Once melted, or mostly so, add coloring and scent.  Prepare molds.  Pour wax 
(ifs ok it is isnt 100 melted first but only pour the melted parts).
Smile, tis the season and stand by for more candlemaking if folks here appear 
interested!  They make wonderful inexpensive gifts.
                                       xxcarol
--- Telegard v3.09.g1
---------------