how to properly install a mantle in a “gas lantern!”

[woodyz]

youtu.be/7Q0SJRJIP4A

Anyone still use the gas ones?

Part of our getting ready for the hurricane prep was to get out our alternative light sources in anticipation, for no electric.

Most of our lantern type light are battery powered now, but we do have a few oil/Kerosene type lanterns and a couple of "gas" lanterns.

Trimming and changing the wicks on the oil lanterns and replacing the mantle on the gas lanterns is part of the maintenance and it seems some people forget how to do. Like my Son and Wife.

It isn't hard but it needs to be done and done right.

So I had them watch a couple of videos so they could do some practical application.

www.trails.com/how_30770_trim-kerosene-lantern-wick.html

www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+properly+install+a+mantle+in+a+%E2%80%9Cgas+lantern!%E2%80%9D&docid=608014483818546219&mid=812E4640B2EF7566A751812E4640B2EF7566A751&view=detail&FORM=VIREHT

homeguides.sfgate.com/trim-wick-hurricane-lamp-51448.html and why

never even thought about making mantles until I wrote this and wondered if I could still find replacements. I have several sets I keep in/with the applicable lantern (in hard storage cases). But they had them at two locations I went to and bought more, so I guess they are not so outdated after all

www.ehow.com/how_7821410_make-own-lantern-mantles.html

who the heck keeps Thorium Oxide and why

Lamp mantles[edit]

Another major use in the past was in gas mantle of lanterns developed by Carl Auer von Welsbach in 1890, which are composed of 99 percent ThO2 and 1% cerium(IV) oxide. Even as late as the 1980s it was estimated that about half of all ThO2 produced (several hundred tonnes per year) was used for this purpose.[9] Some mantles still use thorium, but yttrium oxide (or sometimes zirconium oxide) is used increasingly as a replacement.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thorium_dioxide

[woodyz]

I remember many times setting on a river bank or in a boat and needing to change out those dang tie mantles, I was so glad when they got the clip on ones, and gladder when they finally came out with decent led/battery ones.

But I am keeping both the older types too, for when the batteries are gone too.

The older I get the less I worry about being prepared and having enough of the right stuff

now is all about not having any time left to use it.

[angelhelp]

I was first introduced to mantles for lamps in the 1980s. We still have several lamps that use them but I doubt I could lay hands on either the mantles or the lamps right now. So much is “somewhere” from the move.

[marc]

I still have my 1968/69 Coleman 2 burner stove and I also have one white gas/kerosene lantern left out of three. The other kerosene pump up lanterns had accidents and had to put down, but I do have a Coleman mantle lanterns in propane also. Lantern mantles used to come in two-packs and I have a bunch. But, I would likely save the fuel for cooking and use an LED these days. The design is solid but the glass (Pyrex) is too fragile.

I also have two pump rebuild kits for the old stove and lantern pumps, and O rings for the tank caps - even though you can make them run with a little piece of leather and some grease.

Yeah, the stove is rough looking, but it has fed me more times than I can count for 50 years. IMHO, that design is timeless and so reliable and efficient that I have no question that mine would will work anytime I call on it. I have a truck bed tool box that I keep stocked for quick egress. That is where the stove/lantern live along with a bunch of other stuff.

Marc

[woodyz]

YES! I have the coleman 2 burners stoves as well. and the pump repair kits.

The leather and grease does work in the short term.

It reminds me of hearing my Grand Father telling stories of using the same "fix" for 1930/40 model cars as crank bearings for a short term fix.

[marc]

My original late 60's factory lanterns and stove pumps use leather cup inserts. When I was a kid camping with my family, the factory installed pump sleeves from the 50's were also made of leather, with a steel washer. My Dad showed us how to grease them for each trip. Maybe they went to a different material later, but a simple disk of leather made from an old Sears work boot lasted for years in mine.

Adequate light grease or thick oil was the secret!

Marc