Stainless Steel

Hey!

I'm a soapie virgin, and at the moment, I'm just trying to gather my supplies. I read somewhere that it's important to use stainless steel equipment as other metals react to the lye.

Hmm. What does that mean? I don't have a stainless steel pot, and really don't want to fork out to buy one, so what does everyone else use?

Hi there Suds, whatever you do dont use aluminium, it will react quite violently with caustic soda. Stainless or Pyrex is the best, if you make small batches then a medium sized pot will do. Some heat resistant plastics may be useful for mixing the caustic with water (it gets very hot, be careful) hope this helps

Thanks Terref!
I guess i'll have to open the purse strings a little wider then

Hi Suds check out St Vinnies etc for a pot. Your going to need a stick blender too, on special at harris scarfe, it will save a LOT of stirring check out this PDF I found it most useful [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Thanks again Terraf.
I purchased some basic ingredients today, but I'll have to hunt around for the stainless pot. A friend said they saw one for $20 at Coles, but I'm not sure how big it is, i'll have to check it out