Karen, I just happened to be trapsing through.. In my opinion the best soy wax is produced by Enchanted Lites. But I also know what it costs to ship wax. So I also recommend finding a reputable supplier as close to you as possible and working with the soy they offer. Soy wax burns better with fragrance oil added. And cotton wicks are great. I prefer HTP wicks, which are a cotton braided coreless wick, that bends towards the melt pool. Greatcandle.com candlecocoon.com Both these companies have very knowledgeable ladies running the show. They were chandlers first, then became suppliers. Unfortunately, they are both in the Midwest..I think Angie(greatcandle) has kits..that might be the best way for you to get started. 86 oz, that's over 5lbs of wax...WOW! And I'm guessing atleast 3-4 wicks?? If I did something that big, not including the crock or the cost of it, Yep it would cost about $40 for the wax, wicks and fragrance, based on my mark up rate. So $46 is not off base...But certainly it would cost about about 16-18 to make. So yes you are definately saving alot of money making your own..However, I will caution you that repeatedly refilling candle jars and crocks and burning in them will weaken the containers over time. So the more times you do it the more closely you need to watch those containers when they are lit.

I just posted to you at the Craft forum.. I will reitterate..soy wax burns better when a fragrance oil is added..you'll have to up the wick size actually to burn a non oil scented candle. And about the toxins...If you buy quality oils, presented by people who work hard at having them created to resale..you get quality products. Most people that have trouble with burning candles, actually have trouble with the "gas"(I don't know what the technical term is. LOL) given off by paraffin burning, not the oil that fragrances them. I have an asthmatic that purchases only my soy candles, because she can't be around any others without an attack happening. And if you want ambiance, with no scent the cheapest way to get that isn't soy, but palm steric acid.And paper wicks are best for that "wax". Which you can buy at candle supply places..it's an additive used with paraffin wax to "stregthen" the wax to make stronger molded candles like pillars and such. Hmm which gives me the thought that maybe you should look at palm waxes, or palm based waxes. Here is a link that might be useful: Candle-wic

I also have no interest in the company but many stores in the Austin (TX) area carry their candles and I can second Patricia's recommendation. I love good candles and these really do have a lot of scent and last a long time (and the wicks don't drown in their own melted stuff as some I've tried, etc.) I get the big ones in the jars with lid...seem pricey but really do last a very long time. I like Patricia's favorite but my personal fave is Hippie Chick (yeah, it smells like it sounds....like the old days.) LOL

What is the diameter of the containers you use? If they are very wide-mouthed, you may need to use 2 wicks per candle.