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Lamp Oil substitutes
I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically
the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
I think that BBQ starter fluid is basically kerosine. Interesting that
you mention the odor of liquid parafin. I have been using liquid parafin in my oil lamps for years and it has absolutely no odor. That was the whole point of using it. Doug s/v Callista "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Well neither "BBQ starter fluid" or "liquid paraffin" are chemical names so
its difficult to give a definitive answer. Different manufacturers might use somewhat different distillates. If you could get a "Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS" from the manufacturer/supplier this might allow you to figure out how close they are. You want to look at data for : flash point boiling range or boiling point composition, possibly carbon number range,e.g.. C7-C14 From your description they sound pretty similar in properties, close enough for burning in lamps. Basically you want to avoid using anything too volatile/flammable like naphtha or something that's going to be too smoky, the other end of the spectrum. "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Gordon,
I checked both "lamp oil" and "starter fluid" at the national MSDS repository and there are a couple of different products companies / product names for lamp oil and only one for starter fluid. The info is different and sparse so I could glean much. I did note that starter fluid from Texaco contains benzene! Thanks for your input. Jeff Gordon Wedman wrote: Well neither "BBQ starter fluid" or "liquid paraffin" are chemical names so its difficult to give a definitive answer. Different manufacturers might use somewhat different distillates. If you could get a "Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS" from the manufacturer/supplier this might allow you to figure out how close they are. You want to look at data for : flash point boiling range or boiling point composition, possibly carbon number range,e.g.. C7-C14 From your description they sound pretty similar in properties, close enough for burning in lamps. Basically you want to avoid using anything too volatile/flammable like naphtha or something that's going to be too smoky, the other end of the spectrum. "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Hi Doug,
You are right that they (both) have no odor while burning. I poured each into a clear glass and smelled them, to my nose, the starter fluid was "odorless" while the liquid paraffin lamp oil (Ultra Pure brand) did have a distinctive odor. It does not smell like kerosene to me. Thanks for you input. Jeff Doug Dotson wrote: I think that BBQ starter fluid is basically kerosine. Interesting that you mention the odor of liquid parafin. I have been using liquid parafin in my oil lamps for years and it has absolutely no odor. That was the whole point of using it. Doug s/v Callista "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Charcoal starter ins't a chemical name as you say, but I believe
"liquid parafin" is pretty specific. Doug s/v Callista "Gordon Wedman" wrote in message news:j0xOc.23$T_6.4@edtnps89... Well neither "BBQ starter fluid" or "liquid paraffin" are chemical names so its difficult to give a definitive answer. Different manufacturers might use somewhat different distillates. If you could get a "Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS" from the manufacturer/supplier this might allow you to figure out how close they are. You want to look at data for : flash point boiling range or boiling point composition, possibly carbon number range,e.g.. C7-C14 From your description they sound pretty similar in properties, close enough for burning in lamps. Basically you want to avoid using anything too volatile/flammable like naphtha or something that's going to be too smoky, the other end of the spectrum. "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? |
Lamp Oil substitutes
I have
several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. I bought a gallon of Weems and Plath liquid paraffin for about $20.00 at West Marine. I, for one would like to find a good substitute. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Defender.com has 2.5 g lamp oil for $25.99 plus shipping
"MLapla4120" wrote in message ... I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. I bought a gallon of Weems and Plath liquid paraffin for about $20.00 at West Marine. I, for one would like to find a good substitute. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
We get lamp oil at places like KMart. Sometimes all we can get is
scented, which is more expensive and we don't like it. Doing a search I find (in order of increasing cost without shipping) https://www.craftsetc.com/Store/Show...?c=40&p=317453 Lf03 Liquid Flame No Smoke Lamp Oil Our Price: $1.99 SKU: 317453 Color: UNSCENTED CLEAR Size: 16 OZ [0.124/oz] http://doityourself.com/store/6104277.htm 45 Oz. Clear Ultrapure Lamp Oil by Lamplight Farms SKU: 6104277 Candle & Lamp Oil Ultra - Pure 45 Ounces Color = Clear Retail Value: $8.95 DoItYourself.com Price: $6.49 [0.143/oz] Star Light Lamp Fuel - Ice Blue Lamp Oil Star Light Lamp Fuel is pure liquid paraffin, safe to burn, odorless and smokeless. 24 Fluid Ounces (710ml) will burn for approx. 150 hours $4.95 [0.20.65/oz] http://www.discountcandleshop.com/pr...oducts_id/2294 Liquid Paraffin Lamp Oil - 1 Gallon: $24.08 [0.188/gal] 22 oz. $4.75 [0.21.59/oz] Our 99% pure, uncolored liquid paraffin lamp oil is clean burning, smokeless, and odorless. http://www.orvis.com/store/product_c...subcat_id=6130 Safety First Lamp Oil from Orvis Top-quality lamp oil burns free of odor, with no smoke or carbon build-up. So safe, we ship it UPS or Parcel Post. 97% paraffin. Set of two 1-quart bottles. $15.00 Safety First Lamp Oil (SI2415-00-00) (so that is $15.00 for two quarts or 0.46/oz) I found a survivalist website which under Oil Lamp Basics says: The easiest fuel to use is lamp oil and it’s available in any large store, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Ames, etc. and most of the small ones around us too. We’ve also used kerosene but everybody I talk to recommends NOT using gasoline or alcohol. "Gordon Wedman" wrote: Well neither "BBQ starter fluid" or "liquid paraffin" are chemical names so its difficult to give a definitive answer. Different manufacturers might use somewhat different distillates. If you could get a "Material Safety Data Sheet, MSDS" from the manufacturer/supplier this might allow you to figure out how close they are. You want to look at data for : flash point boiling range or boiling point composition, possibly carbon number range,e.g.. C7-C14 From your description they sound pretty similar in properties, close enough for burning in lamps. Basically you want to avoid using anything too volatile/flammable like naphtha or something that's going to be too smoky, the other end of the spectrum. "Jeff Fisher" wrote in message ... I noticed that BBQ starter fluid (Wal Mart brand) seems to be basically the same as liquid paraffin. It looks the same in a clear glass, it has far less scent that liquid paraffin (I was surprised at this), approximately the same viscosity, it burns very similarly (when poured on a rag), the smoke produced looks and smells the same and since I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. while starter fluid is US$8 /gal (maybe less) I ask: Does anyone (chemically knowledgeable) know if "BBQ starter fluid" is a valid substitute for "liquid paraffin". If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? grandma Rosalie |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Jeff Fisher wrote in message ...
If not, does anyone know of a less expensive substitute ? Years ago we bought an oil lamp and it suggested using "Gulf Lite" charcoal starter which worked real good,no smell and it didn't smoke up the chimney much at all. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Mineral spirits, or paint thinner containing 100% mineral spirits from
the paint department of your local hardware store is a low cost fuel for kerosene lamps and stoves. It is cleaner than kerosene, though likely not quite as odor free as good lamp oil. Usually about $3/gallon around here. I would suggest buying a cheap kerosene lamp and testing any "new" fuel before using it aboard. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
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Lamp Oil substitutes
I just bought 2.5 gallons of non-smoking unscented lamp oil at West
Marine for $20. HTH I hate to tell you this, but you didn't, unless you bought way below market price. you probably bought the middle grade stuff. kerosene was a buck eighty the last time I bought 2.5 gallons (last October), while mostly kinda smokeless lamp stuff was about six bux a gallon, and the good stuff (interior lamp stuff for several hours at a time use) was about $12 a gallon, if you bought a gallon at a time ($3.99 for 20 oz at your local, friendly candle store selling your wife items "mood enhancement"). I use (successfully, if you count taking care to lower the burner and to trim the wick, both to reduce sooting of the glass) kero for an outdoor anchor light (makes the boat distinctive, and is legal under the colregs) and the high priced stuff for cabin lamps. The high priced stuff has no smell or soot. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
I just bought 2.5 gallons of non-smoking unscented lamp oil at West
Marine for $20. HTH MLapla4120 wrote: I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. I bought a gallon of Weems and Plath liquid paraffin for about $20.00 at West Marine. I, for one would like to find a good substitute. -- s/v Mutiny Rhodes Bounty II lying Oriental, NC WDB5619 |
Lamp Oil substitutes
Try Wal-mart or a crafts store like Garden Ridge Pottery. They all should
have liquid parrafin and lamp oil. -- Keith __ Why are a wise man and a wise guy opposites? "Phil" wrote in message r.com... Defender.com has 2.5 g lamp oil for $25.99 plus shipping "MLapla4120" wrote in message ... I have several large oil lamps onboard, and lamp oil costs about US$ 12/gal. I bought a gallon of Weems and Plath liquid paraffin for about $20.00 at West Marine. I, for one would like to find a good substitute. |
Lamp Oil substitutes
The cheapest best source will always depend on your particular location. I
am able to get high grade K-1 kerosene from my local fuel supplier for about $1.85 per gal. I bring my own container and it is pumped from a gas pump. You could find a similar dealer in your own area, these guys typically provide lubricants for truck fleets and jobsite fueling services. DO NOT use jet fuel. It may be high grade kerosene, but it also has dye and other attitives. It smokes up a lamp worse than diesel fuel or stoddard solvent. K-1 is the designator for the highest grade of kerosene. You can often buy kerosene designated as K-1 in the solvents section of the hardware store. My experience with this hardware store kerosene is that it is of lesser quality than the kerosene that I get from the pump. Charcoal lighter fluid and paint thinner are suitable substitutes for lamp oil, I have used them many times in a pinch. Everytime you buy lamp oil, test the quality of the batch. Use an old cheapie lantern and look for smoke and sooting. That is another reason I like to buy 10 gallons at a time from the pump. One test and I know it is all the same. Also note that different lamps are more particular. I burn Aladdin mantel lamps and any kerosene contamination will soot up the mantel and stink like hell when the lamp is extinguished. Your own particular needs will vary depending on equipment. If you are paying more thatn $2.20/ gal., you are paying tooo much . Shop around a little. David S/V Nausicaa |
Lamp Oil substitutes
I have used K-1 from a pump (in my anchor lamp) and find it soots up terrible
unless I trim the wick carefully AND turn the wick way down low. Even then it soots up, but not really, really, really bad as before. Parafin lamp oil, on the other hand, I find burns cleanly, brightly and without odor. Don't care in my anchor light, but do most definitely care in my cabin lamps. The cheapest best source will always depend on your particular location. I am able to get high grade K-1 kerosene from my local fuel supplier for about $1.85 per gal. I bring my own container and it is pumped from a gas pump. You could find a similar dealer in your own area, these guys typically provide lubricants for truck fleets and jobsite fueling services. DO NOT use jet fuel. It may be high grade kerosene, but it also has dye and other attitives. It smokes up a lamp worse than diesel fuel or stoddard solvent. K-1 is the designator for the highest grade of kerosene. You can often buy kerosene designated as K-1 in the solvents section of the hardware store. My experience with this hardware store kerosene is that it is of lesser quality than the kerosene that I get from the pump. Charcoal lighter fluid and paint thinner are suitable substitutes for lamp oil, I have used them many times in a pinch. Everytime you buy lamp oil, test the quality of the batch. Use an old cheapie lantern and look for smoke and sooting. That is another reason I like to buy 10 gallons at a time from the pump. One test and I know it is all the same. Also note that different lamps are more particular. I burn Aladdin mantel lamps and any kerosene contamination will soot up the mantel and stink like hell when the lamp is extinguished. Your own particular needs will vary depending on equipment. If you are paying more thatn $2.20/ gal., you are paying tooo much . Shop around a little. David S/V Nausicaa |
You can buy a product called KLEAN-HEAT at most Home Depot or Lowes
stores look in the Kerosene Heater section. A gallon jug costs around 5 dollars. It burns very clean and does not soot up the glass globe on a kerosene lantern and it is easy to locate in those stores. It a kerosene alternative. Marty www.knotstuff.com http://www.angelfire.com/ak/skateworld/dietzlanterns |
Why not use 12 volt lights? No fuel to carry around. No smell. No fire hazard.
1/2 - 1 amp hour/light. A oil lamp is nice for a romantic setting, but for quality of light, convienence. I'll go with 12 volt. I'm talking about use for full time cruising. Electric use for interior lighting, is a very small amount, compared to usage for refrigeration. Just the way I do it, cruising full time. |
well, the difference between 2 amp-hrs/day and 120 amp-hrs/day is a about 5,000
pounds in weight of the boat and generator and batteries. but, who's counting. From: ospam (Ilv2sl) Date: 8/27/2004 11:19 AM Eastern Daylight Time Message-id: Why not use 12 volt lights? No fuel to carry around. No smell. No fire hazard. 1/2 - 1 amp hour/light. A oil lamp is nice for a romantic setting, but for quality of light, convienence. I'll go with 12 volt. I'm talking about use for full time cruising. Electric use for interior lighting, is a very small amount, compared to usage for refrigeration. Just the way I do it, cruising full time. |
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well, the difference between 2 amp-hrs/day and 120 amp-hrs/day is a about
5,000 pounds in weight of the boat and generator and batteries. but, who's counting. Wow! 118 amp-hrs extra for lights! You must like it bright! And 5,000 #'s for a few extra batteries? A generator? On our boat, with 12 volt refrig, amps used for lightning is maybe 10% of our total amp use. The big batteries, hi output alt, solar panels, are needed for the refrig. not the lights Sail on |
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