Camping gas light question

[ChrisJB]

Hello,
I bought a Camping Gas light for camping in a sale the other day and I'm a bit baffled by it (I normally use a torch). It has come with a mantle and the instructions told me I have to set fire to it before use (?). Is this correct and if so, why?
Also, how often do I have to replace the mantle?

Regards, Chris

[Madelinew]

Yes you do need to set fire to it. Just leave it to burn out and then when you switch the gas on and light it, it works perfectly. As long as you are careful not to break what remains of the mantle, it should last ages but it's worth carrying spares which are very cheap. Just make sure you've attached it correctly before you set light to it and don't touch it once it's burned or it'll just collapse.

[Jim Ford]

The mantle's made from silk dipped into a ceramic compound slurry. You burn off the mantle to get rid of the silk, leaving a thin crust of ceramic, which incandesces when it's heated. The mantle is then very fragile and will only need replacing when it's physically damaged.

Don't burn off the mantle until you really need the lamp, to prevent it getting damaged.

BTW, mantles used to have the radioactive element thorium in them, but I don't believe they do now.

Jim

[ChrisJB]

Thanks Madeline and Jim. You live and learn.

Regards, Chris

[Meta menardi]

We (as a family) used Tilley lamps for many years, the Camping Gas lantern works on the same principle. Once the mantle is burnt off, it is fairly fragile, but the big enemy is and kind of physical prod, rather than just jarring or banging the lamp. They do give a very attractive light, hope you enjoy it.

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Meta menardi

We (as a family) used Tilley lamps for many years, the Camping Gas lantern works on the same principle. Once the mantle is burnt off, it is fairly fragile, but the big enemy is and kind of physical prod, rather than just jarring or banging the lamp. They do give a very attractive light, hope you enjoy it.

I just couldn't resist having a go today! The mantle took a few goes to get it all burnt up, but for a cheapo lantern it gives off a really good light. Anyway, thanks Meta.

Regards, Chris

[Jim Ford]

Madeline earlier stated that mantles are 'very cheap'. My experience is that they used to be, but now are quite expensive. When I checked a year or so back to stock up on spares, I found the ones I needed instead of being 50p or so that I'd paid in the past, were several pounds!

Jim

[ChrisJB]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Madeline earlier stated that mantles are 'very cheap'. My experience is that they used to be, but now are quite expensive. When I checked a year or so back to stock up on spares, I found the ones I needed instead of being 50p or so that I'd paid in the past, were several pounds!

Jim

I bought three the other day in a small shop in Hebden Bridge for a fiver. I thought that was reasonable enough really. At first I thought it was a fiver for one and was ready to turn on my heel and flaunce out, aghast.

Regards, Chris

[nightshade]

Mantles are quite expensive now, just get as good a globe shape as possible before you ignite it (follow the instructions carefully)
I have a camping gas lamp which is only on its second mantle in approx. 30 years and was used for 2 weeks every year
I also have a new lamp with piezo ignition that has had a new mantle every year since purchase 3 years ago

[Madelinew]

Originally Posted by Jim Ford

Madeline earlier stated that mantles are 'very cheap'. My experience is that they used to be, but now are quite expensive. When I checked a year or so back to stock up on spares, I found the ones I needed instead of being 50p or so that I'd paid in the past, were several pounds!

Jim

Crikey shows when I last bought them. I have to say that I don't use mine any more and have spent a few years settling on the best form of light to read by. I find these gas lanterns go through quite a few small cartridges and I like a good book for the evening when I'm camping. I now go for this which gives off a really bright light for a long period of time without the batteries running down and is cheap enough if it breaks

NEW HOT UFO 48 WIDE ANGLE CAMPING LED LIGHT Torch Lamp on eBay, also Other Camping Lights, Lights, Lanterns Torches, Camping, Sporting Goods (end time 15-Dec-08 18:36:33 GMT)

Sadly it lacks the romance of the old gas lamp!