I have always match burned new mantles then after they are burned in lit the lantern or pre-heated etc. I have noticed on several occasions that by doing it this way I end up with holes in the mantle upon light up. Does turning the lantern on before being fully burned in thereby filling the mantle out save this from happening? I would like to know if anyone has a pretty fool proof technique? Thanks!
I have a similar problem, and tried different approaches to overcome this. I find there is a difference between the 2 main fuels, on paraffin/kero lanterns I now simply let the mantle burn while pre-heating with alcohol and light the lantern. No holes in the mantles! When using a pre-heat torch (like on a P-max) I do light the mantles with a match/lighter first, mainly because else the mantles de-form (they get "blown" to one side). On the coleman/panel wipe/Aspen4 powered ones, one must first pre-burn the mantles (because there is no pre-heating as with a para/kero lamp) and I sometimes get holed mantles. The holes can be anywhere in them. The only reason I can think of why this happens might be an incomplete pre-burn before final lighting thus creating uneven tension in the mantle. When pre-heating with alcohol, the mantles will be fully "burned" before they get real hot when lit. In my younger days, when using Campinggaz and similar thingies, burning the mantles and then lighting them hardly ever caused holed ones. They broke when hit with a match, or during transport. Best regards, Wim
I too, wondered what the best process is, as I have seen it directed both ways, ie. burning off first with a match, then lighting, or with bottled gas lanterns, just lighting without pre-burning. Before lighting the lamp after burning off a new mantle, I know the mantles are still rather shapeless and soft. I assume the final shape is given by the expanding ball of hot gases within the mantle when lighting? I have noticed that some mantles continue to shrink and shape a small amount within the first 5-10 minutes of operation. Regards, Doug
The best method when a new mantle or mantles have been fitted, is to pre heat the lamp or lantern with meths, even if it runs on petrol. That way the mantles are properly burned off. The method which I use and folk here in Shetland used for decades when lamps were in daily use, is as follows. Fit the new mantle or mantles and make sure that they are neatly fitted not twisted, then pre heat with meths and when the meths has burned off, then pre heat again with meths. The second pre heating cleans the mantles and helps them to form better, then before the meths is burned off for the second time start the lamp at low pressure. Gradually increase the pressure and when the optimum pressure has been reached, then let the lamp burn for at least 4 hours, that really helps the mantle to form. Jeff.
I always burn the mantle off first by light it at the bottom with a match or lighter. Then as it burn off, I often help to make the glow travel around the mantle with a gentle blow. This is also to turn it all white and not let there be any black, sooty spots left. Then I fill the meths cup and give it a good preheat. But I think they are better shaped if I give them a good "chock" immediately! Meaning that I build up the pressure pretty much (when possible), and then open the valve as soon as the meths is about to expire. This will often blow the mantle up to a nice and full form. (This is often doable also with some lanterns that doesn't have an actual shut off valve by raising the needle and use it as a "fake valve" this only first time, and pump well just before the meths go out.) After that I also try to let it burn for several hours. I don't know if it actually does anything, but I have read that it sort of cure the mantle to let it burn long the first time. It can't hurt. And since it's lit... well why not use it for a while. I have never had any mantles that has formed holes in them during burn-off or normal preheating.
Thank you all very much. I have been having this happen for years & it gets expensive at $2.00 a blown mantle. It has been almost exclusively with Coleman white gas lanterns, I will set a small cup of meths to preburn the first time and report back in a few months when I have been able to get some quantifiable results.
i use a butane flexible lighter,start a bottom of mantle and go up and down with lighter.this burns mantle even and i spin lantern to get to all sides.i let mantle cool for 10-15min.then light the lantern.i've never had a hole form with the peerless brand.this is what works for me.some people spray hairspray on mantle before burning in to get the mantle to burn in completely.
