[David R]

Thanks everyone for all the input. I see epoxy as the easy way out....and perhaps a last resort. I will have a couple more goes at this before I give up, and will keep the forum posted with my progress. I want to go the authentic route,.... even if it is a pain in the butt.
I wonder if the teflon from the pan effected the mix. Tim, the comment about rushing it and burning the resin before it melted also struck a chord.
Ibrahim, I will try my incense supplier for the stuff you mentioned.
Katana, I used frankincese 'cause one of the forums (not here) recommended it, and I had a load of it knocking around. One of my friends is an incense wholesaler, and often buys in Egypt and Saudi, so I can get some stuff easily that is not generaly available.
Watch this space.
Hi G. just got your post, daft as it sounds, I can get the exotics more easily than the native resins...but will see what I can get in that line.