Hi all, I would like some advise on the best type of mantles to use for my small collection. (I'm fairly new to this game). To date I have been using unknown types as these have just been acquired here and there, also having trouble identifing what cp some of these lanterns are. As I'm running out of my random stock I want to get the right types. The only one I have used the correct type is for the Aida (stuck in an original that came with it). My list: Optimus 930 Coleman 242b Optimus 1200 Coleman 220f Aida express 1250 Primus 991 Veritas superb Tilley x246 Nagel Chase (well what is thought to be a nagel chase, with some earlier help from guys here, model unknown) Astramax 3/300 Aladdin 1A Also Can a kerosene, gas and petrol lanterns use the same type of mantle. Thanks
There's a guy in Japan "world_wide_2009" selling assorted packs of mantles on ebay. They're cheap and seem to work well enough.
Mantles are pretty easy to understand. There is basically two different things to look at . The cp rating and if it forms with a cylindrical/tubular shape or a globe shape. As a general rule, kero lamps like the globe shape mantle. Quite a lot of the American stuff is happy with the tubular shape whether it is petrol or kero. There is one more variation and that is quality. Apart from these things, brand doesn't matter.
There is also the one-tie or two-tie aspect to be considered. The Tilley (also Bialaddin and Vapalux) will need a two-tie mantle. I've heard some folk cut off the lower end of a single-tie mantle and use it on Tilleys with some success. I've never tried it and wouldn't do so as a matter of course - perhaps in an emergency when a mantle of the correct type wasn't available. All the others are single-tie types. The Veritas Superb warrants special mention with respect to mantles. It needs a single-tie, globular type only so that the vapouriser is as near to the heat as possible. Best of luck with that one!
Thanks everyone. I dont suppose someone can guide me through the different CPs on the list of lanterns above. Some I onow as they are stamped on the tanks.
The diversity and scarcity of your collection is probably the envy of many here, myself included! While agreeing in principle with David above, in practice I favour the Peerless brand mantles for my lanterns wherever feasible. They are sock shaped rather than pear shaped and more finely woven and rigid and give out a very white light. I have used the Butterfly brand and other "knitted" pear shaped 300-400cp single and double tie mantles on a variety of lanterns but overall I was not overly impressed with their durability or light output, which tends to a golden colour. In their favour is that they are commonly available and inexpensive. The Peerless 2C-HG is the equivalent of the Coleman 21A and is suitable for e.g. the 220F and 242B. They come in packets of 4. The next larger size is the Peerless 24A, equivalent to Coleman #99 which is suitable for 250-350cp lanterns like the Coleman 335 & 339, Optimus 930, Coleman 249, and various 350cp Pmax clones. Sold in packs of 2. The Peerless 111 comes in packs of 2 and is rated at 500cp per mantle and I have found it to work well on 500cp Petromax type lanterns as well as Coleman 237, 639 etc. Your Veritas is a special case as they are notoriously fickle performers. Although I have yet to complete restoration of mine, I would take David's advice to heart when tying on its mantle. I have several times bought Peerless mantles from lonestarlantern on ebay, who is also a member of the CCF and he has provided excellent service and good pricing.
Thanks Phil, And thanks for your comments on my small collection. If I ever live long enough one of every type would be a fantastic goal!!! This is a very addictive past time... But good amount of fun, especially getting one up and going again. I'm even get reluctant to swap parts around on some of my double ups, as it feels like I'm taking away a part of it's history.
