-= Quoting Donna Lewis to Carol Shenkenberger back to Donna=-
 > DL> I have been given about  5 lbs ( many more available), but it still ha
 > DL> the trash in it, and needs to be heated, strained - probably numerous
 > DL> times.  What would be the best items to use for straining?
CS > I have 2 things at home I would use.  I presume you dont want to buy
CS > anything.  One is an old aquarium fishnet that my fish are too big to be
CS > able to use. (I have goldfish, almost lake sized, in a 70 gallon tank).
CS > The problem with this one would be the wax cooling and clogging the net.
CS >  It would be hard to 'unclogg'.
Boiling water could be poured through it to melt the wax - OUTSIDE of course 
in a far corner so the wax doesn't clog the drain lines.
CS > The one I would actually use is a wire strainer I have in my kitchen.
CS > It too might clog up, but could be boiled free rather easily.  As long
CS > as I was only straining beeswax (a natural product that wouldnt hurt you
CS > if you ate a little by accident) I would even keep using the cleaned
CS > strainer in my kitchen.
I need to find one that is finer than the one I have.  I'd rather empty it 
more often than have to keep straining through several different tools that 
each have a finer mesh.  Why dirty 3 tools if 1 will do the job?
 > DL> Do you know where I can get citronella oil?
CS > That one is pretty easy.  I wouldne even bother with my mailorder candle
CS > company.  Walmart carries it, so do most large hardware stores and
CS > larger craft stores.  A check of your local phone book will probably
CS > show a local chemical sales place.  If you call them and they have it,
CS > it will be the least expensive source.  Note:  Citronella is poisonous
CS > so dont use the strainer after adding it, if you ever plan to use the
CS > strainer for anything but candles again.
What Dept in Wal-Mart?
Didn't know citronella oil was poisonous, thanks for the info.
I like lemon and citrus fragrances and they are very hard to find.  Does your 
catalogue show any?
 > Oh, and I wouldnt use beeswax with citronella.  I'd use cheaper regular
 > parafin wax for the citronella candles.  Keep the beeswax for fine
 > scented indoor candles unless you literally got 50 lbs or more and have
 > a free source for more when it runs out .
I pretty much would have an unlimited supply of beeswax as I have a friend 
who has several bee hives.  For me the beeswax is cheaper than the parafin 
since I'd have to buy that.
Thanks for all your help
Happy crafting,
Donna
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