Hi guys. New to the world of paraffin heaters with a Aladdin blue flame heater 37. Cleaned it up only to realise the wick carrier is missing. Can't seem to find any online unfortunately. So I'm hoping someone on here has an idea on where to fine one
Base Camp made this comment on Facebook recently. "In these uncertain times a number of people are turning to paraffin heaters for warmth security in case of power cuts" I guess the increase is making it harder to obtain spare parts.
Just making sure I'm not being stupid but this is definitely missing something right? The second image is what I believe I need
Yeah. You're missing the wick carrier (Hopefully you actually got the burner basket with it, but you've just removed it for clarity in the picture? If not, they're still currently available from here). The wick carriers do occasionally turn up on eBay, but they're like hen tooth encrusted rocking horse poop these days, and the last 2 I've seen on there went for 50+ quid each. It's worth keeping your eyes open for any really rough 16, 27, 32, or 37 blue flame's turning up online that still have a carrier in them because these often sell cheaper than if someone's selling just the carrier on it's own. Failing that, you could get busy with Google, and start calling every old hardware shop in your area to see if anyone has an old stock carrier gathering dust in their stockroom. Most won't be able to help, but a lot of the old timers behind the counters will have suggestions on who MIGHT still have one. A lot of blue flames (And therefore also spare parts) were exported to Japan, the US, and the middle East, so if you feel brave, fire up Google translate and have a look around on THEIR local eBay sites. Import duty and shipping may be crippling, but if it's the difference between waiting for one to turn up in the UK at an inflated price, or getting one cheaper and quicker abroad, then bending over for UPS and the tax man to take their turns with you, it's worth keeping this option in mind. If you're really desperate, there's always the DIY route. IIRC, the carrier is a 3.375in ∅ tube made of 0.065in thick tin plate. The top 45 degree angled flange and bottom small rolled rib wouldn't be too hard to get bead rolled on, and the dimensions/angle of the "Ladder" rack and wick clip slots shouldn't be that hard to work out from the photo you've already found. It would be tedious as all hell, but it should even be perfectly possible to drill out all the ladder holes and file them oblong by hand. As the carrier doesn't get within about 2" of the flame, it's in contact with a paraffin soaked wick, and it's shielded from the heat by the brass flame basket, it shouldn't even be an issue to make this out of something like modern galvanised mild steel (I don't think zinc has any problems with light oil. If I'm wrong there I'm sure someone will let me know). A final thought. These are actually a part that wear out eventually, so in theory, if someone had a place laser cut/roll/spot weld a few dozen of them in a suitable metal, they could trickle them onto eBay/Facebook market place a couple at a time throughout the winter and not kill the rarity value (And therefore the currently inflated price) by any significant amount. The amount of unique bids each usable one gets on eBay makes me think there's a ready market for anyone who fancied taking the plunge with this. I've actually got a Blue Flame 16 here, and if I feel up to it (Multiple medical issues limits what, and when, I can do anything), I might be able to make a paper wrap template of mine, scan that and upload the image here for anyone who wants to have a go at the DIY route. Just let me know if it would be useful (because I wouldn't want to risk knackering myself up if everyone just thinks "Meh, I'll pass". ). Scott.
Got bored, and took some measurements of my wick carrier. I can't garentee all measurements are 100% accurate, but they should all be easily close enough for it to work. I was half asleep when I drew the winder rack/"Ladder" bit and drew the wrong number of holes on the diagram, but noted the correct info in the bottom left box. I hope that helps anyone who needs one of these, and if anyone feels the urge to make one based on this (Or can see any glairing mistakes), please let me know how it came out. Scott.
@Reman Hi Scott Great information for anyone wishing to have a pop at making one. This is what I love about this forum. @Andrew colley Good luck with finding or replicating one. Regards, Jeremy
Well done your effort is much appreciated thankyou I'm new to the forum today and this is what I need not sure if I'm able to make one though lol.
