FAQ

FAQ
General Questions
Question - Can I receive Tech Support from you if I bought one of your Tanks from a distributor?
Answer - We would be happy to help you out with any issues that you might have with your equipment. Warranty issues would fall back to the distributor, but please contact us and we will help with whatever your concerns are.

Question - Can I receive Tech Support from you if I bought one of your Wire Soap Cutters from a distributor?
Answer - We would be happy to help you out with any issues that you might have with your equipment. Warranty issues would fall back to the distributor, but please contact us and we will help with whatever your concerns are.

Question - What type of Air Compressor do I need to run your Soap Cutters?
Answer - Look ahead to expansion and purchase one large enough to handle everything. A compressor with 90 psi (6.12 atm) and 2 cfm (57 lpm) will handle any of our equipment.

Question - Does your soap making equipment only work with Cold Processed soap?
Answer - Our equipment crosses over to other uses and types of soaps, lotions, candles, liquid soap, cosmetics, bio-diesel etc. Soap - Candle Wax - Oils - M&P - Honey - Lotions - Butters - Lip Balms - Creams and More.

Question - Do you provide a warranty on your equipment?
Answer - Yes, we do have a warranty on everything we manufacture and items that we do not manufacture are covered by their manufacturers warranty.

Lip Balm Trays
Question – Why do I need to send sample tubes to you?
Answer – Not all tubes are created equal, so we need to match your tubes with our stock trays.
If you are ordering custom trays then we would need your tubes to make sure we have a perfect fit.

Question – My tins  (jars) are threaded, can you make a custom tray for these?
Answer – Yes, we have created custom threaded trays. Once we receive your samples we will determine if these can be created and will contact you.

Question – Do you have trays that hold fewer tubes than 225?
Answer – We can make just about any size tray you would need. Please contact us with your requirements.

Question – Do you offer any discounts if ordering multiples of the same tray?
Answer – Yes, please contact us with your request.

Question - Why are our Lip Balm Trays milled instead of injection molded?
Answer - Lot of complaints about injection molded trays (Tubes falling out, dribbles down the side and having to clean the tubes). In fact, we sell many of our trays to unhappy customers of injection-molded trays.
Things that can go wrong with the injection process, the plastic formula could be off, injection temperature wrong, the injection mold is old.
For something that needs to be Precise, milling is the best method.

Loaf Soap Cutters
Question – Can I use your loaf cutter to cut M&P soap?
Answer – The simple answer is no. Most M&P soaps are too hard and will cause damage to the wires. We have had a few customers that use a softer formula have success, but we cannot guarantee or warrant the use with any M&P formulas. We do carry an Air powered M&P soap cutter... https://discountsoapequipment.com/MP-SoapCutter

Question – Can you customize the wire spacing on your loaf cutters?
Answer – Yes, Custom sizes are available (1/2"-7/8") add $100. Please contact use with your requirements.

Question – I would like to purchase some of your wire and bolts but I don't see them available on your site?
Answer – The wire and bolts that we use are proprietary. We only sell our wire and bolts to current customers that have purchased one of our wire soap cutters.

Question – I broke a wire on my long loaf cutter. How do I repair this?
Answer – We have written instructions, you download a PDF here... https://www.discountsoapequipment.com/InstructionsWireReplacement. Contact us to purchase more wire.

Question - How soon do I need to cut my soap after de-molding?
Answer - We recommend as soon as you can after de-molding. Once your soap starts curing, it gets harder and the cutter might not be able to cut though it.

Molds
Question – What do you recommend for lining soap molds?
Answer - It depends on which molds you have. Larger soap molds that work with our professional soap cutters should be lined with parchment paper or plastic-lined freezer paper. You can also purchase our liner paper in 1,000 foot rolls here... https://discountsoapequipment.com/linerpaper

Question – Can Stainless Steel Molds be used with Cold Processed Soap?
Answer -  Yes, they work very well with M&P and CP Soap. Make sure you wrap them well when pouring CP soap to help hold the heat in. We do recommend lining them with most formulas.

Question – Do you offer any additional discounts when purchasing multiple molds?
Answer - Yes, Please contact us with your request.

Question – How do you stop soap molds from leaking?
Answer - Pouring at a slightly thicker trace is the easiest method. You can put some old soft soap in the corners out a couple of inches each way. Shortening will also work.
If you have our Pro soap molds, you should line it but not for leaking, for ease of de-molding. 

Pot Tippers
Question – How fast do you mix in a Pot Tipper and what do you use?
Answer - Assuming you are mixing CP (cold processed) soap. Trace times on CP soap can take a long time. We recommend our Pot Whipper, which has Nitrile, flexible blades that become more aggressive as the speed increases by creating a fluttering action. The blades are cupped to create a downward pull, creating a faster, more thorough mix. This also helps eliminate air bubbles.
Mix at speeds above 1200 rpm to cut down the time to reach trace, especially an all olive oil soap. 1500 to 1800 rpm is best mixing at a 10° to 15° degree angle. Use the pot whipper with a commercial-grade variable speed drill (Home Depot, Lowes).  

Shipping
Question – Do you ship Internationally?
Answer - Yes, a lot of our business is International. We use all forms of shipping and can handle most any customs paperwork requirement.

Question – What is your cutoff time on orders?
Answer - Orders received after 10 AM (ET) will be entered in the system on the Next Business Day.

Question – Can I schedule my own freight pickup?
Answer - Yes, you can have your freight order picked up using your own trucking company.
You will need to communicate with our shipping department the details of the pickup and when your order will be ready for pickup.
We will still charge a small handling fee for getting the shipment ready to be picked up.
Keep in mind that once your order is picked up it is your responsibility as far as damage, delivery etc.

Soap Cutters
Question – What kind of wire is used on your cutters? Where can I purchase this wire?
Answer - We use a proprietary wire and wiring system on all of our wire soap cutters. We do not sell this wire or system except to customers that have purchased one  (or more) of our cutters.

Question – When should I cut my soap using a wire soap cutter?
Answer - 1. It is important when using a wire cutter to cut the soap as soon as possible. Allowing your soap to cure and harden could result in breaking or stretching the wires.
2. At first, start checking Manual Cutter Molds after about 20 hours. They will usually be ready between 24 and 36 hours but this can vary.
Start checking Air Cutter Molds after about 36 hours. These are usually ready at about two to three days. Observe and take notes on your first few pours.
3. Smaller pours require less cure time. Many factors affect curing time. These can range from but are not restricted to; environmental surroundings, humidity, air temperature, insulation method, and your soap recipe.
4. You can test your soap by pushing on the top center of the pour. If it is spongy, it is not ready. If it is firm, yet still soft, it is ready.
5. You can also test with a thermometer. Check in the center about mid-way down from the top. It should be ready when the temperature is below 90 degrees (F).

Question – Does your Air and/or Manual Cutter come with everything I need to cut loaves and bars?
Answer - Yes, you will receive a custom made loaf and bar frame as well as one custom soap mold when you purchase either one of these systems.

Support
Question - Can I receive Tech Support from you if I bought one of your Tanks from a distributor?
Answer - We would be happy to help you out with any issues that you might have with your equipment. Warranty issues would fall back to the distributor, but please contact us and we will help with whatever your concerns are.

Question - Can I receive Tech Support from you if I bought one of your Wire Soap Cutters from a distributor?
Answer - We would be happy to help you out with any issues that you might have with your equipment. Warranty issues would fall back to the distributor, but please contact us and we will help with whatever your concerns are. 

Tanks (Oil/Wax)
Question - What is a Jacketed Tank?
Answer - A jacketed vessel (Tank) is a container that is designed for controlling the temperature of its contents, by using a cooling or heating "jacket" around and under the inner tank through which a cooling or heating fluid is circulated.
A jacket is a cavity external to the inner tank that permits the uniform exchange of heat between the fluid circulating in it and the walls of the vessel.

Question - Why are your tanks constructed using stainless steel?
Answer - Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, and familiar luster make it an ideal material for many applications where both the strength of steel and corrosion resistance are required.
We use 304 – 24 gauge Stainless Steel. Our tanks are Cosmetic Grade and can be used for Certified Organic production.

Question - How long does it take to heat up my tank?
Answer - That is a tough question. There are many factors to consider when determining this.
  • How cold is the material that is going into the tank?
  • What is your desired temperature?
  • That is the temperature in the room where the tank is located?
  • Is the tank insulated? Will the material be in chunks or liquid?
  • How much material is to be heated?
So basically we do not have a definitive answer on this, best to allow plenty of time so your material is ready when you are. Using a timer can help with getting things up and running. Take notes.

Question - Can you set an Oil/Wax Tank or Lye Tank at a particular set point and have it maintain that temperature?
Answer - Yes, your Oil/Wax Tank or Lye Tank will maintain an even temperature by setting the dial on the thermostat to a particular set point. 
The temperature sensing bulb is in the water jacket. It is also surrounded by liquid making it sensitive to changes in temperature. 
The thermostat turns on and off with changes of + or -, 2 degrees Fahrenheit.
There will be a slight temperature variance between the inner tank and the water jacket. You always want to check the temperature of the contents and at first, make notes on the dial setting. Then you always know where to set your thermostat. You can even place a mark at the setting so that after a while, you can just turn the knob to the mark. 
Make sure to keep the jacket Full.

Question - What kind of liquids can be used in the outer jacket of the tank?
Answer - Distilled water works great, but you must keep the outer tank full (water will evaporate).
In place of water you may use Propylene Glycol (PPG) or Mineral Oil in the jacket.
Makes it easier and more efficient to reach temperatures above 170 degrees
Evaporation is less of an issue. Takes a little longer to heat but has better heat retention.
Less maintenance as well as makes your heating element last longer.
If using PPG use a food grade with inhibitor.

Question - What type of electrical outlet plug comes on a 220v tank (both Jacketed & Lye Tanks)?
Answer - We use a NEMA 6-20P for our 220 volt setups. International customers will need to replace or find an adaptor locally.

Question - Do the Jacketed Tanks have a drain plug or valve to empty the outer jacket?
Answer - Yes, all jacketed tanks have 1/2" drain plug.

Tanks (Lye)
Question - How long can I keep my Lye Solution in the Lye Tank?
Answer - Because our Lye Tanks come with a high-quality gasket on top of the tank it will allow you to keep your solution for up 3-4 weeks.

Question - Can I purchase a Lye Tank without a heating element and heater box?
Answer - Yes, we offer a Lye Storage Tank as well as Heated Lye Tanks.