Part 2 of a 3 part series detailing how to make flat wicks for oil lanterns. Apologies for some of the editing; I'm having a bit of trouble with my equipment at the moment.
Hi, Duncan McHarg: This is my second attempt at leaving a comment. Thank you very kindly for this tutorial; although I keep a few extra weeks on hand just in case of emergency, it sure doesn’t hurt to know how to make one in a pinch. And the type that you’re making there now is the type that I use in at least two of my lamps. I noticed that you’ve left a link for somebody else there to see a little more information, such as the material from which you make them. This is something I’ve wondered about for a long time, in my mind I have it settled but it’s probably some sort of gross grain. :). I’m really looking forward to that video. Cheers! :-)
Super video .. I use the Amish method they use cotton shirting when its not serviceable and falling apart ,, obviously double or trebled over measured and cut to size .. obviously pure cotton is required .. think how many shirts get thrown away ? I have hav only a few kerosene lanterns now ..one gets a lovely soft flame from the shirting ... Amish spot on kind folks... and use what they have ..lantern experts ,, just saying ..great presentation here.. well done .
Tyvk 4 the awesome tutorial, Duncan! The wick that you’re producing is the one that I use in a couple of my emergency oil lamps. I suspect they were originally kerosine lamps, but I usually keep them refilled with liquid paraffin, or did you until this past year. And $35 for a fairly small bottle, I suspect I’ll be switching to something else soon. I appreciate this tutorial. Although I keep a few extra wicks on hand in case of emergency, it doesn’t hurt to be able to make one in a pinch. I can hardly wait to take in your other video that I see you that you referenced there for someone else. I’ve often wondered whether this was done with a bit of grossgrain, and I hope to find out. Cheers!
Interesting Tailslol, I've never heard of carbon felt. We live in a small town with no easy access to wick or felt suppliers, so I was just using what I had lying around :) I might look it up. Thanks.
I make mine out of carbon felt. I also sew in some copper crafting wire to transfer heat along the wick and down into the oil. Once done, no more wick replacements! Note: add in about 1/2" to the length as a minimum because carbon felt will shrink after a while then stop shrinking. Warmer/hotter the oil the better it vaporizes and the less soot produced. If you did it correctly you can use olive oil in the lamp!
G'day Teresa, All the details of the cloth I use, and how best to cut it is described in full in Part 1 ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-m6Wlq3AS9l4.html Enjoy. Cheers Duncan
