I am a beginner in candle making. Why do the candles I make form a deep cone around the wick when burned? Commercially made candles don't do this. They burn flat. How can I correct this problem?

I noticed with my store bought candles I have that problem. I think it has to do with how big around they are because the heat only melts about an inch or so radius. Are you making 'fat' candles?

Actually I am using a container that had a "store bought" candle in it. It burned flat but mine doesn't.

hey I just started making candles to and had the same problem, its all to do with the size of the wick =)
change the size of the wick and it'll solve the problem ;)
you can buy a candle wick sampler pack and it will have a few different sizes for you so you can try and determine witch size you should be using depending on the container.