Hello All joined recently and im very impressed with this site. Just celebrating another major birthday and ive been asked what i would like. Where do i get a petromax lamp? Which model do i go for? Im looking for is it 500cp type very bright and new without the problems of replacing seals like on every other lamp i own. Im based in Perth Scotland
Welcome! It's hard to tell, what situation with Petromax lamps is in Scotland now (I was there for the last time during holidays '85 [great time! ] and I was not infected by the lamp bug ), but Petromax used to have very good supply chain everywhere. If the Postal Snails are reaching you , check in the web -- some outdoor/camping shops in your area should run Petromax lamps and spares. CP500 is a good choice, but don't believe that it is shining as bright as 400 Watt bulb -- it's advertising . Nowadays all Petromax lamps are Made in China, only quality control made by mother company. I've heared complaints that even brass Petromax is covered with acrylic plastic varnish -- looks pretty on the shelf, but during the use the varnish cracks and looks ugly...
I wasn't aware Petromax-type lamps had no seals... Still, I'd rather go to the hassle of changing the odd seal every few years than the continual tinkering and fiddling I have to get any Petromax-type lantern up and running. Why build a lantern with a only a couple of dozen parts when you can build one with about 400...
I was commenting on the tilley lamps i have! ive been replacing seals on older lamps. Just wondering what it would be like to start from scratch with a new lamp where i dont have to strip it down. So am i better going for a new lamp of have they gone the way of paint manufactures! instead of improving their going back wards.
Hi Uncletam My choise if you need a LOT of light is the Petromax 829 pre-china. They are uncommon but not impossible to get. I have used this lamp for long time and the only thing I shifted when I got it was the pump-leather and the tanklid-rubber. It is so easy to shift needle and needlejet on those lamps and last for long long time. It is always a good idea to service a used lamp thoroughly when you get it, clean the tank and make sure pump-valve works etc. and after this the 829 is one of the most powerfull and robust lamps you can get. All the 800 moverable other parts just dont break Compared to the Tilley's there is just one thing you must get used to and that is the mantle. It is not supported like the Tilleys and when you pump the lamp it is to be on a solid surface or else over time the mantle would break of. I though would any time prefer a Petromax 826 or a 828, but they dont give that light you seem to wish. Claus C
I also agree the the old pre 60's Petromax, and I have several, are well made and reliable, except the rapid burner which keeps on blocking. Their are many seals on all the Petromax models, so a full overhaul and washout is essential if you find one. Of the many lamps it got, the most reliable, and the least seals, is my the coleman 220 or 228 types. They inexpensive, and instant lighting. Each of the 2 mantles gives about 250 CP so the overhaul light is about 500 CP and is fine. My second choice is the monster Coleman 639.
On this thread we have located a Norwegian dealer who sells unused Petromax 828 which are probably made in Portugal and not China : http://0flo.com/index.php?posts/26762
