I consider a more modern preheater John! I won’t start a debate on how safe it is, I’m sure they’ll be a variety of opinions. I’m just keen to know if asbestos preheaters are easy to recognise, based on the design of the insert. @presscall
It’s hard to tell, @Buckaroo. The really old ones could be. My rule: Keep them wet! I can get you modern ones (not asbestos) if you need a few. Tony
If you dont toss them around... What happens? Combine with a radioactive mantle and you have a well welling bright lantern. Of course.... Indoor use prohibited.
Hit the edge of it with a torch if it glows and doesn't change shape it's asbestos if it melts its fiberglass.
What about modern Tilley lamps? Does the preheater contain asbestos? I asked at tilley but it seems they do not answer emails (or my email went to some spam folder).
Antonis, No, Asbestos is illegal to sell in the EU as well as in GB and most other countries. Modern Tilley wicks are made of fiberglass. Erik
By the way, what is the reason for this material? asbestos in the past and fiberglass now? I mean that Petromax has just a plain tray for preheating. Why the Tilley or other lamps are not OK with this? What is this material doing there?
Hi Antonis When Tilley started using asbestos (many years ago)the world was not as aware as now of the dangers of asbestos Also the design of the preheater with the wick design allows the methylated spirit to be contained and more resistant to spills than a normal spirit dish? If you have ever knocked a stove when pre heating you will know what I mean? Regards pb
So it is only this? I thought it could be something functional, maybe keep the flame longer or something else. You say it is just a matter of avoiding spills. Yes I know about spills, it has happened to me too.
Sorry, it is also functional.. With the Tilley preheater it can be stored in a jar with the methylated spirit, ready to use.. just take out of the jar, shake off the excess, and clip onto the lantern or lamp and light No need to pour carefully with the risk of spills and fluid running down the tank So it is a portable little heater
OK. but spirit has always a percentage of water. If the preheater is always submerged it will get rusty. Unless it is stainless steel. I have one more question about tilley lamps. Their site has a nice photo with girls sitting around a table with the lamp. First it looks like indoors. But my question is about light intensity. You can not do this with a modern Petromax with a clear glass. You will burn your eyes. The mantle light is very strong. So I wonder... is the Tilley lamp not as strong so you can have it in front of you with clear glass with no problem or this photo with the girls on their site is just marketing?
Apologies for getting slightly off topic Hi Antonis, Yes, if you look at the picture that buckaroo posted at the top of the page you will see corrosion on the arms of the pre heater.. it has taken quite a while to get like that These are made to be used and for myself, I am not too precious about small items .. they are not on display but in use ; even if they are not used every day ? As regards the Tilley International marketing, you will have to draw your own conclusions … they are trying to sell their lamps and what you have said about the closeness of an incandescent mantle makes sense I think if I had a choice i would rather buy an earlier model of Tilley.. there seem to be some available even in unused condition for comparable money Hope that helps Best wishes pB
That ad is perfect and accurate. Tilley's make a great cabin lantern, you can light a small cabin room with one and stare at it without retinal burn.lol I have a Tilley out on my desk now and it's good room light and its just a foot away. I fit vintage 500cp P'Max mantles on mine and it makes my Tilley's much brighter. For me P'Max 500cp for the campsite and Tilley's 250-300cp for a cabin or in my case canvas tent.
Thanks for the information. Very useful indeed. If you like such items like myself, and having PMaxs@500cp I look for less bright and not more bright lamp. So if the picture on their site is accurate and I do not risk a retinal burn I will give it a serious consideration. What is the official rating for a Tilley with its own modern mantle? 250? But why do you say that older are better? I am skeptical about older because you may get surprises... And who has unused Tilleys to sell? Ebay? I always see rusty items there at crazy prices.
Hi Antonis The build quality and finish of the earlier lamps and lanterns is generally accepted to be higher.. even between ‘60’s and ‘70’s lanterns I have noticed even the chrome is not as good Other members with more experience will have more to say.. I can only speak from my limited experience and from what I have read here Perhaps there are members here who have little used lamps/lanterns and may be prepared to sell? I am not sure of the availability of the Tilley International lanterns at the moment.. they have had supply issues in the not too distant past.. not long ago If you want to buy a new Tilley and have faith then I would not stop you as it would be great to see this once proud brand rise again From what I have learned is sadly the desire from the owners does not seem to be there Yes, I have seen new old stock for sale on eBay at a price comparable with the Tilley International price Regards Apologies.. we’re really off topic now
