So I've finally found time some again, and after looking at the various threads on mantles and the continued splitting and holing in my mantles I have to ask... Any advice on brands, burning them off, and 1st lighting the lamp after burning them off. would be much appreciated. I've also read about soaking them in something flammable and burning them off. What's the verdict on that? BTW I'm upto 8 tilleys and a bialaddin now. Regards to you all. Aielman
My advice for Tilleys is to always buy good quality mantles for use when you have your lamps running properly. I buy either from Tilley, or the best quality mantles from The Base Camp (UK). Cheers Tony
I have paperwork for Blanchard lamps which recommends sprinkling a new mantle with methylated spirits before burning off. Modern mantles do not need soaking in anything before burning off ! Other old wives tales you may have heard include dipping new mantles in vinegar and allow to dry before fitting and burning off will result in a sturdier mantle which will give a brighter light. If you turn the mantle inside out before fitting, it will make a better shape. Absolute nonsense. If you have a genuine Tilley mantle, simply follow the instructions on the packet.
When I fit a new Tilley mantle, I use two meths torches, one right after the other and then I let the lamp burn for a few hours as that process helps the mantle to form properly. That was how it was done here in Shetland when the lamps were in daily use and I use the same procedure for any pressure lamp.
Thank you for the info guys. Will be looking out for some genuine tilley mantles I guess. So what's the difference between the standard 164 x mantle and the 500cp ones? is mean I know they are ment to be brighter but are they really? Sorry if these are newbie questions but I don't remember even knowing about tilley lamps till I was given one about 2 years ago.
The 500 cp mantles were only made to fit the tilley x246b model 5oo which had an extra long spigot for a larger mantle which burns off too large for the standard tilley burner which would give you a poor light output, hope this helps. Regards ian