I have a suggestion that might satisfy your insurance underwriters in regard to your candle-making. Face it - they are concerned about the fire hazard. Here at Farmageddon we have all sorts of explosives. Making things go "boom" is not only an enjoyable hobby, but is also a profitable business. Yes, they are stored in a very secure concrete bunker sunk into the side of a hill, well away from any structures, but more important to my insurance company, no explosives come anywhere near the house, barn, or garage. So, if you want to make candles, make them outside, and take photos of the process that document how far away you are from any structures. Be sure to take photos that show a fire extinguisher and a hose nearby, to prove that you have thought through the "brush fire" scenario. This should allow the insurance people to add a rider to the policy that simply prohibits candle-making IN THE COVERED STRUCTURES. They cannot complain about what you do in the yard, as bonfires are common even in small yards when homeowners burn leaves. If you snap a few photos every year, you can continue to document where the candle-making takes place, and have proof that no wax is heated in the house. And while doing things outside, you can rig up some solar collectors to liquefy the wax without running up a big energy expense. Getting 200 F out of a solar collector is easy - even a kludged "solar oven" will do fine. I can't think of a more combustible combination than a bunch of wax being heated near a roomful of supers full of nice dry frames of comb. Any resulting fire would burn like... a candle factory. :) jim (wondering how many smoke alarms currently have dead batteries) :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: -- Visit www.honeybeeworld.com/BEE-L for rules, FAQ and other info --- ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::