Hello all I've just got back into Tilley lamps after a few years absence in the Scouts 40 years ago! I have 3 Tilley lamps and 4 stoves of various makes but am struggling with tools and skills in fettling. The main problems are NRV's and any other valves. Does anybody live near Lewes {East Sussex} that could help, give a patient step-by-step guide to an incompetent fettler please‽ I have no skills, except gardening, and very basic tools - spanners etc. Or I'll need an "Idiots Guide" Thanks in advance John
The safety lecture for beginners Welcome John, from Australia so I am not around the corner. Reading the above safety advice first is a great first step. Hopefully someone will be able to help you as you have requested. If not just keep asking questions and you will get answers.
Thank you Sedgman Thank you for the link, I'll have a proper look tomorrow, as it's evening here. It seems to be for petrol lamps mostly, is the advice still good for paraffin/kerosene?
Hi @John Godfrey and Welcome ! good advice already you can’t go far wrong if you watch some tutorials by one of our members i just did a search for ‘broadlander youtube’ and this is what came up see what you think if you have any questions there will always be someone about to give advice ; perhaps not straight away but hopefully soon enough! cheers pb
Hello pb That's brilliant, thank you. It's just the sort of thing I needed. Didn't think to look on YouTube! doh! Cheers John
Hi all It worked! Thanks for your help and advice. Glass needs a clean though, got my dabs all over it! I've also got two burners going!
Thank you. They are, really clear and concise. It is pulsing a bit, but I reckon there's a "small" leak somewhere. Hopefully get that sorted after I've fixed my other two. Is it wrong that I don't want to paint or polish? I like the old and battered {loved} look
Hi John. I am in Brighton (near the Marina) so if you wish we can meet up, but I am away now for a week. Send me a Private message ? Welcome back to the world of pressurised paraffin!
Perfectly fine to not paint or polish. Less risk too to aging thin metal from some cleaning products. Many people prefer the patina on old brass. On the other hand many do like to restore to a mirror finish. I do a mixture of both depending if the finish is uniform or not. Often though, painted founts such as some Tilley table lamps look pretty bad if they are missing paint here and there so I will usually repaint, lacquer and bake. Bottom line for me personally is that I think it more important to get them working, if possible. When people say that it will clean up well they do not necessarily mean the outside and it may just be a case of a good clean to remove any dirt or fuel sludge or marks. Bottom line, your lamp, your choice. Lastly, welcome John from Australia. Happy collecting.
I know what you mean about painting the fount but for me, I think, if just like to re-chrome, the "cage"? Not sure of the correct terminology. But I definitely want to get them working because I'm sure, at least here in the UK, there is going to be a massive power shortage sooner or later. I'm not a "Pepper" but do want to be prepared. I want light and be able to cook! Also they give off a lovely warm light. Of to a country show this weekend, wish me luck for a bargain