So having just rebuilt a pigeon lamp - I was proposing to run it on naptha/coleman fluid. I know it says L'essence minerale on it, often translated as gasoline but it seems closer to a british miner's lamp in operation (from felt to wick) and that's what I use in place of coalazene. Any thoughts ? cheers Chris
Essence minerale is exactly that, gasoline or petrol in the UK. I use panel wipe in mine, don't try anything other than that or a similar fuel (Aspen4, Coleman fuel etc.) in yours!
Excellent - thanks @Wim - it is now happily lighting up the dining room working on Coleman fluid. Chris
I had no idea these were intended to run on spirit/petrol. I have two which I run on lamp oil so far without issues. What am I letting myself in for ?
Unlike the great majority of wick lamps, these were intended to burn petrol or similar fuels. In most wick lamps the fuel is "loose" in the reservoir, but in these lamps it is soaked into some absorbent material, a bit like a Zippo petrol lighter. I have a similar lamp "lampe non explosive des vins" Or some such. Intended for French vintners to inspect wine cellars and the like. I see no harm in the use of a safer and less volatile fuel such as paraffin/kerosene. which is what I use.
Hi @mauser , I have not tried lamp oil or kerosene/paraffin in my Pigeons, but I don't think it will cause any trouble at all. Maybe a bit more soot? It might depend a little on what type you have, many come with a glass chimney, maybe using the "heavier" fuel causes some blackening? The ones that come without glass chimney and gallery should have a "cap" on a small chain to cover the wick when not in use. This prevents (or rather, slows down) evaporation of the lighter fuel. Many portable cooking and lighting equipment made in France runs on gasoline. It was always a popular fuel next to kero so they developed lamps like the little Pigeon and similar ones to be as safe as possible. It is like @broadgage says similar to ZIPO lighters. The French also used the same principle in their table top stoves (réchauds) running on alcohol.
Thanks for clarifying that for me. I did attempt to replace the original felt in my Pigeon’s but after several purchases of different types I never found anything close to the original material so gave up. Can anyone give me any pointers as to what the original material is called or even better link me to a supplier ?
When rebuildng/researching a few british coal miners lamps, I discovered that they were run on Coalazine, pretty much a naptha fuel produced from coal. I was advised to use zippo or coleman fuel as it is nearly the same. The base (tank) of the miners lamp is stuffed with felt and there is a metal tube in whch the wick travels up. Much like the pigeon. Obviously the miners lamp has a very different "top". However I was also told (by ex-miners) that ordinary paraffin/lamp oil would eventually stop the felt absorbing the fuel.
@mauser I would be tempted to try natural felt, although it is possible that rolled up felt was inserted into the lamp before the base was soldered onto it.
Perhaps the wick material used in patio "Tiki" torches would be a possible substitute? https://www.homedepot.com/p/TIKI-Torch-Replacement-Wicks-2-Pack-1312128/202542507 Mike.
@74Harley your wish is my command: The gallery/glass is of modern make. There should be a small cap on the end of the chain to stop evaporation - but these are usually missing.
