Good evening all, just looking for a little guidance on the after light clean up process for carbide lamps. I picked up this NOS Justrite on ebay a couple years ago and finally got around to lighting it this evening, quite surprised at the light output.
Wow, that sure puts out the light. I have no idea how to clean or look after these beasties. Enjoy Cheers Pete @Thomas
The most important is that you remove the sludge from the carbide container pretty soon. The longer you wait, the harder it will be, and if left long enough-a solid lump. I have bought many carbide lamps where they just left the last batch in ages ago, meaning it was impossible to get out for me. I usually clean them up the day after they had been used. A flat wooden stick is generally what they advised back then, and I use it too to get the lime out. When as much as possible is out, I just rinse the carbide container in water and let it dry. Filters need to be dried out, but not cleaned every time. If they need a clean, they shall be removed, washed and dried before re-assembly, otherwise just let them dry by keeping the lamp in separated parts for a couple of days. If you always expire the lamp correct, there shouldn't be any carbon deposits built up around the jets. But if they happen to form, just gently wipe them off with a cloth soaked in some detergent. Don't prick the jets now! That is best done as seldom as possible since it wear on the soft steatite, and widen the little jets each time. The best time to prick is always immediately before each lighting of the lamp so you know the passages are free for a good run.
recently obtained an older model and would like to do a complete resto. Are there any good resources for disassembly advice?
