I went to the Dollar general store and picked up a one gallon plastic bucket with a pour spout. It cost...$1! :haha:
Put your water in a pyrex or glass jar or bowl, slowly add the lye (don't splash! and keep a bottle of vinegar handy in case you do!) and stir. Meanwhile heat your oils up in whatever pan you have handy - SS, aluminum, whatever...I've used the miscrowave at times, too. THEN pour the oils into the plastic bucket once everything hits about 105 degrees. Add the lye water (or goat's milk with the lye) to the oils and stir. I use a stick blender when I can - it whips it all up in about ten minutes and I'm ready to pour into my molds. Using a wooden spoon to stir it, you'll be waiting about 3 - 4 hours for castile soaps before they come to trace. BTDT...annoying, but sometimes neccessary. Using tallow or lard it only takes about 45 minutes to an hour. Pour into the molds. Unmold it the next day and cut your bars, unless your molds are already individuals.
I'd be glad to give any pointers. I've been making soap of all kinds for four years and sell it at our Middle Ages Re-enactment group events.
Sarah