Slarti.
Thinking onward..
I find rotating the candle when lit & in place works well for me, getting an even surge of burn on the angled elevation (maze run in).
I also find I use a tiny "elevator" flat metal piece (the screw in a molten wax is a major cause of leakage & waste) ..it's cut to fit, aids insertion, adjustment & removal without any faffing about, = no burnt fingers.
estimate the metal is a mere 2 mm in depth.
I'm wary of blowtorch use based on what type of solder is utilised in the construction (& something i've discussed elsewhere) which could result in de-soldering the joints, therefore strength & stability.
That said, it's all a learning curve & you will conquer it.
My lighting to smoulder time with non macs material is around 2 minutes, which I often forget about & leave till 5 minutes has elapsed & a wee dust fire is raging