Members Tannin Posted May 31, 2015 Author Members Report Posted May 31, 2015 BTW I also came across a small, vintage, German spirit burner on ebay - normally used for keeping food warm I think but listed as "possibly" medical. All metal, it had a long tube with holes in for the wick & included a lever-operated snuffer cylinder that slide up the wick tube; it also included a separate metal cap. Will try to find an image, interesting design. Also, just came across this rather novel tiny/minimalist copper spirit lamp with filler syringe on ebay: Quote Simple Leathercrafting
Members TinkerTailor Posted June 1, 2015 Members Report Posted June 1, 2015 I was going to buy some round wick as well, so that I could try making my own preserve/salsa jar lamp but the wick seller advised against it: I opted to heed his advice. I used a really small grommet and had a hell of a time getting the wick it started. I used a small low jar for stability and keep it full to prevent air space. I chose mason jars cause they are designed for heat and pressure. (at least as much as can be created by 4-5 cubic inches of alcohol vapour). I do alot of stuff that may be dangerous. As a kid, i dont even want to think about it.... My little jar of fire is the least of my worries....DON'T TELL, BUT YESTERDAY I RAN WITH SCISSORS......SHHHHHH. Quote "If nobody shares what they know, we will eventually all know nothing." "There is no adventure in letting fear and common sense be your guide"
Moderator Art Posted June 1, 2015 Moderator Report Posted June 1, 2015 Or you could just go "old school" like many bespoke shoemakers; put a candle on a board and bang some nails in to hold the tool. Keep the wick trimmed so you don't get too much soot. Art Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members fivewayswelshcobs Posted June 1, 2015 Members Report Posted June 1, 2015 I use a small gas stove one of the newer type like a single gas hob as it is possible to put the crease down during heating, I started using a blow torch but realized it was like using a sledge hammer to crack a walnut. I also tried a small burner but didn`t find it very effective. Quote
Members Tannin Posted June 1, 2015 Author Members Report Posted June 1, 2015 TinkerTailor :D Yes, you are the Evel Knievel of leathercraft! Having asked the seller's advice (he specializes in wicks & paraffin lamps), I thought it would be disrespectful to ignore it - and tempting fate! My record with glass jars in my garage workshop is bad. Actually I wouldn't dare use a spirit lamp in there - too many petrol/gas cans & the like nearby. However, one of the above links shows a glass-free homemade spirit burner, which uses a metal shoe polish tin - might be worth a try. Quote Simple Leathercrafting
Moderator Art Posted June 1, 2015 Moderator Report Posted June 1, 2015 I've told what the old school does, Now there is me. I don't do a ton of this so it is easy for me to just use the Burny from Optimus. It works. Art Quote For heaven's sakes pilgrim, make yourself a strop!
Members Tannin Posted June 1, 2015 Author Members Report Posted June 1, 2015 (edited) :D That's a nice one. I have a couple of "jet lighters" but mine were both v. cheap (£1 & £3 I think). One looks like a regular disposable lighter but has a jet flame - v. handy when its windy outside. The other is a bigger, more powerful version off ebay, which has a regular mode as well - prob. a good one for the workshop (or for fancy cooking?). Somebody also gave me a one of their old Zippo lighters (c. 1980's) which works well* & might also do the task. At the back of my mind, I probably had in mind that I might be able to use them for heating leather tools - so interesting to hear that it works. I don't smoke but find lighters handy in the garden/workshop/house/on holiday/fishing/.... Unsurprisingly smokers know the in & outs of lighters better than most. *Youtube has useful videos on Zippo lighters. Edited June 1, 2015 by Tannin Quote Simple Leathercrafting
Members Big Sioux Saddlery Posted June 2, 2015 Members Report Posted June 2, 2015 Propane bottle torch is on or near my bench most of the time. Surprising how often it comes in handy:-) Quote
Members Tannin Posted June 18, 2015 Author Members Report Posted June 18, 2015 (edited) Vintage medical/military sterilizing (with tool-holder - possibly for sterlizing syringe needles?): The above spirit burner(/spirit lamp) is mine now. I have added 38mm wick - which is an excellent fit - to the bent metal wick holder which fits in the main slot, shown above. I have come across another common use for such burners: as heaters for Victorian/Edwardian curling tongs! However I did see one that had German WWII regular army markings, which was presumably for medical use rather than hair curling. Here is another: Edited June 18, 2015 by Tannin Quote Simple Leathercrafting
Members bullmoosepaddles Posted July 26, 2015 Members Report Posted July 26, 2015 Newbie question. Why does a creaser need to be heated? And how much does it need to be heated when heated? Thanks guys. Gene Quote
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