There is something so attractive about fire. There is that orange glow that can sway like snakes to the gyrations of music. But setting all sentimental feelings aside, fire is a wonderful means for heat and light. The oil lamp satisfies man's need to see. Used for hundred of years the oil lamp is still sold in the local WalMart. But what kinds of oil can the usual oil lamp or lantern burn? After some research I found that my lantern can burn the following fuels.Lamp oil-
Baby oil-
Homemade oil-isopropyl alcohol 91% and higher, with a bit of distilled water
So far I have used store bought lamp oil mixed with baby oil and the lantern burns just fine. But what about the other common oils? Olive oil apparently is so dense a Biblical style lamp needs to be used. A balled up cotton gauze ball can suffice as a wick with olive oil. Vegetable oil also can be rigged up to burn in a glass jar with a piece of denim as a wick. These oils need thinner wicks that can utilize the oils quicker. Next time the lights go out don't panic! Just grab some oil and with a little creativity you can have a light that burns for hours.
