Kero lamps only: which do you prefer, soft or hard (pressurised) start?

With most of my lamps I prefer a soft start, by which I mean I close the air release valve as the meths is burning but only begin pumping just before the pre-heat is finished. For me, this always yields better results with fewer flare ups.

...and I've never managed to get the fast starter jet working on any of the 4 lamps that have them. In fact, I think all but one has had the feature dissabled.

I'd be interested to read other folk's kero lamp starting techniques.

 

Hi Colin

Bialaddin and Vapalux as your method. Tilley and other makes approximately 12 pumps with the shut off valve in the closed position, ignite and run for 30 seconds or so and then pump to desired pressure. I’m not a fan of the blow torch on the Petromax type and although all work I use the spirit cup.

Regards Jeremy

 

I mostly use Tilley with our scouts and demonstrate the soft start method, flare ups, when they happen are relatively minor and controllable, just loosen the pump and try again.

The rapid start lamps I have look and sound impressive, when they eventually roar, although I've usually had to use the meths to preheat the fast starter. That being said it saves trying to refill a hot preheater in cold weather

 

I prefer the spirit cup soft start method. The rapid torch is reserved for rare occasions: when I'm out of meths.

 

Soft, pressureless, start here.

 

If I use a paraffin lantern "for real", e.g. on my boat or if I'm using it as a working light (which actually happens), the built-in torch is my first choice because I don't need an extra bottle for the meths. All I need is the lantern and a lighter or matches. Very handy!
To be honest, I rather take a petrol lantern with instant lighting for those occasions... I have a favourite Coleman for that.

Otherwise I go for the soft start most of the times.
Lesser risk for breaking the glass, and much more relaxing all in all.
It's a nice procedure, and very soothing to wait for the meths to expire and finally let the big light out

 

Soft start too !!

 

I agree with using a soft start.

 

On my 821 and 826 PX - I prefer to close the valve (Pricker-wheel in top position) and then pump up the pressure as the lantern preheats. When the meth is almost burned out - I slowly turn the prickerwheel - always result in an easy startup at first attempt.
On my Optimus 1550 - I use the Rapid, mainly because I think it looks and sound impressive :-))

 

Soft start, unless it's the sea anchor when it's the awesome noise of the quick heat blaster! I've had no success getting the blaster lit with a match but with the mini cooking blowtorch (stolen from the kitchen) it lights great every time.

 

A brave man uses the blaster. It works but I'm very scared about breaking the glass.
So far I have not but I think it is just luck...
Mine is Hippolito H502... Too bright for most occasions.

My Tilleys only start when they feel inclined to do so. By any method.
They need a bigger preheater (or 2x) or a wind shield.

That reminded me about something I have been cogitating for a while....
A gas powered preheater.... along the lines of a horse shoe shaped gas burner (slot needed for Vap tube)
In general it sits where a Tilley clip on preheater would but instead it burns gas.

Pretty stupid idea really but could make a weekend of tinkering.

 

Is there such a thing as 'too bright'??

 

hahaha - yes. You can get sight problems and sun burn

 

How common is glass breakage when using the rapid preheater?

 

Yes i'm a softy when given the choice.

 

Only soft without pressure

 

To get more pre-heat (more meths) have you considered an extra absorbant collar around the base of your tilley vaporisor?
Much like the vapalux ones? I made one from exhaust wrap.
I get a good 2 min preheat & it works good for my tilley.