[Cryptkeeper]

here is a really good read on oil lamps :thumb:

http://zombiehunters.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=34203&p=704408

here is where to get one of the lamps talked about :thumb:

http://www.lanternnet.com/Merchant2..._Code=WKL&Product_Code=WTK2&Category_Code=WKL

 

[ForestBeekeeper]

Those put out 20candle power.

A pressurized oil lantern can put out 500cp.

I really like Petromax lanterns.

 

[Cryptkeeper]

Those put out 20candle power.

A pressurized oil lantern can put out 500cp.

I really like Petromax lanterns.

thats true but they cost ALOT more and use up your karosene alot faster as well.

http://www.coleman.com/coleman/colemancom/detail.asp?product_id=639C700&categoryid=1025&brand=

plus if im not reading a book i prefer the nice warm light of a couple of standard oil lamp than one harsh intense light :thumb:

 

[Esi]

Walmart has them for $4.88 a piece. All metal with glass, and comes with extra wicks.

 

[Cryptkeeper]

the W.T. kirkman oil lamps have a specially made globe that is thinker/stronger that is why they cost a bit more than dietz and as the link said they are made of galvanized steel instead of tin which is more rust resistant than tin :thumb:

 

[ForestBeekeeper]

I find that few lamps are capable of putting out enough light to read by.

One feature that I like about Petromax is they burn any flammable liquid.

 

[kev]

I have 5 kerosene lanterns, and about 6 that belonged to my grandmother. The 6 never get used, they sit on top of the center where my living room tv is in.

When the power goes out, I use the lanterns in the bathrooms. I'll put them on the counter, let the mirror reflect the light so people can take care of their business.

 

[woodyp]

Yep Kev, got about 6 of those oldie antique oil lamps form back in the "not so good old days" as granny used to say. All sitting on top of an antique armoire I refinished. Just love to-I mean--------hate to have to use those things when the lights go out!

 

[Westbound]

The cheapo laterns have been serving me well for power outages, fishing, and camping for years. I'm sure I could upgrade, but it's hard to justify getting something nicer when I can just buy 5 more cheap lanterns to make more light. :

 

[MikeK]

I love my Petromax and my Aladdins, but they're too bright for most of my uses. They're great when I need to light the workbence when I'm working on a project though. We've used them to light the entire room when we had group meetings a few times. But overall, the things are like the equivelent of several hundred watts of light and that's way more than I can handle. They both suck fuel like a dragster too. Gimme a couple lowly 20 candlepower lanters and the soft gentle light anyday. My oil lamps are setting all over the house, while my Petromax and Aladdins are put away with the emergency supplies.

 

[lanahi]

I love my Petromax and my Aladdins, but they're too bright for most of my uses. They're great when I need to light the workbence when I'm working on a project though. We've used them to light the entire room when we had group meetings a few times. But overall, the things are like the equivelent of several hundred watts of light and that's way more than I can handle. They both suck fuel like a dragster too. Gimme a couple lowly 20 candlepower lanters and the soft gentle light anyday. My oil lamps are setting all over the house, while my Petromax and Aladdins are put away with the emergency supplies.

I like the Aladdins too. Maybe you could have a reflector for them so the light is directed down instead of into your eyes? A gentle light is more soothing, but a bright light is more handy to work on small stuff.

I like the suggestion already made in this thread to use mirrors for more light. Same could be done with any reflective surface, but mirrors work the best, either behind the lantern or candle or across the room from them. With them, you get twice the light and even direct some of the light to different corners!

 

[OhioMan]

I have bought 8 or 9 of the 20 candle power oil lamps

but my favorite one is one that has been in my family for over 200 years, it was passed down to me by my grandfather. I assume at some point they burned whale oil in it.

DW loves these lamps

 

[Ikesiked]

I have several oil lamps as well. Two of them have to be at least 40 years old because my grandmother had them before I was born.

I use them reluctantly during power outages. I say reluctantly because I am always terrified one of my kids will knock them over. I prefer using my Coleman lanterns that are battery operated. At least I don't have to worry about fire with them.

 

[cranky1950]

I've got my Aladdin lamps from my hippie days, uh- a few years ago (they cost $20 new).

I bought milkglass shades for them and they cast a nice soft incandescent light. They don't sound like a dentist office when they run, I'm happy with them.

 

[MikeK]

I like the Aladdins too. Maybe you could have a reflector for them so the light is directed down instead of into your eyes? A gentle light is more soothing, but a bright light is more handy to work on small stuff.

I like the suggestion already made in this thread to use mirrors for more light. Same could be done with any reflective surface, but mirrors work the best, either behind the lantern or candle or across the room from them. With them, you get twice the light and even direct some of the light to different corners!

If I remember right, they make a hat brim type reflector for the Aladdins. That tends to direct light downward and out of the eyes. My Petromax has one and it's a handy feature. I don't know why I didn't order them with the Aladdins unless they were pricey at the time or maybe I didn't realize the need until later.

A lot of the older oil lamps had various forms of reflectors for that very reason. Even some candle holders did. Most that I've seen were just polished metal, but a mirror is a really good idea.

I have bought 8 or 9 of the 20 candle power oil lamps

but my favorite one is one that has been in my family for over 200 years, it was passed down to me by my grandfather. I assume at some point they burned whale oil in it.

DW loves these lamps

There's something about the old lamps. Most of mine are old and were bought at auction. I have a couple that I wish I knew the history of. They have glass "lampshades" and are really nice. One has a round glass sphere around the chimney/burner that fades from red to yellow. It's almost modern looking for such an old piece. The other has a white hobnail glass shade that lights up brightly when burned.

I have several oil lamps as well. Two of them have to be at least 40 years old because my grandmother had them before I was born.

I use them reluctantly during power outages. I say reluctantly because I am always terrified one of my kids will knock them over. I prefer using my Coleman lanterns that are battery operated. At least I don't have to worry about fire with them.

The fire danger is a very valid concern. I'm always saying practice with our emergency gear, and that's especially important with the lamps. Turn off the lights and burn the lamps for an evening. Spend some time thinking about them. How many do you need lit? Where's the best and safest place to burn them, etc.

I have some battery operated lanterns too and will be using them for light a lot. Especially in areas where oil lamps might be knocked over.