Soap Making Advice Needed

[defendus 32]

We've been trying to make soap from scratch (making lye from wood ashes) and are having no luck getting the lye solution.

 

We're putting hardwood ashes (about 10 cups) in a bag soaking in a gallon of water for a few days, then boiling down the water to concentrate the solution. I've read the solution is concentrated enough when an egg floats in it, but we never seem to get to that point.

 

Any advice on what we're doing wrong?

[Dav Harzin 675]

Its been a while since I read about this but..way to little ash.....lightly pack a 'five gallon bucket'  2"  from top, then slowly pour water ..let soak.  years ago a neighbor made soap they used a 55 gallon drum full of ash...seemed they got about two gallons once boiled down.

[defendus 32]

thanks