The inside aluminum liner is the exact size needed for the candle..can't see any reason NOT to use it for the candle mold.. a little heat to that aluminum and it'll slide right out of there just the perfect size and smooth on all sides.The spring on the bottom pushes a bottom plate keeping the candle to the top.I imagine it should fit pretty snug or you may have wax dripping all over the place and getting into the works.I'm not too sure I'd want sand wearing on the parts either..just a thought.It would probably work fine with a sand mold..I just think I'd want mine smoother...
Depending on how much a person uses it..You may only need a couple candles as far as stock on hand.
I mentioned to RR in an email that I bought a box of "emergency candles" that are about 3/4-1" diameter that I could stuff down the center and just add wax around the perimeter to "fill the void" of the larger mold..should work fine.I paid $1 for a box of 8 or 10 candles.On the outer layer,I can add citronella or whatever,just melt down other candles in a pan over an alky stove and pour them in .I can get candles for dirt cheap around here..just can't find a box of the premade UCO ones...
My hiking will be 3-4 day stuff..doubt if I ever use an entire candle.I could also buy fatter ones,chuck them in the metal lathe,and make a dandy mess..

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