Well.......a modern clone based on the petromax design principles. This is a new in the box Chinese made one, its called a Dietz and are being distributed here by a outdoor/safari supply store. It is fairly cheap (suppose you get what you pay for) in comparison with say a Coleman 639. I have just picked it up from the dealer and will be able to post some pictures and maybe pic of it running. Jaco
Sorry all, work happened. Got home an hour ago.... will post as soon as I have a break, work permitting!
Hello all, had a chance yesterday afternoon to have a proper look at the latern. Overall I'd say that I'm happy with it, considering the price paid. Being my 1st Petromax style, I did some reading on the basic mechanics of it's design and it helped a bit. I did a quick pressure and dunk test before lighting it up and it passed without any issues. The lamp lit after the pre heat and ran very well, I must say the light output is quite a glare! I tied one of the supplied mantles and it shrank quite a bit but very bright. When dissambling for some photos the mantle broke (forgot about the preston loop ) For the second light up I used a Coleman #11 mantle, it filled the mantle quite well and gave a nice bright light. Some issues: The cleaning needle bent during the first burn, I took it out, straightened it and it worked well, up to when lit again.. runs for a while, then seems to bend as it is not centering on the jet! not sure how to fix this? Second issue is the soldering around the pump tube, big blob and when the tank was chromed or plated, it was done over this, so no way to smooth it down. The tank and base plate is steel, the cage and supports seems sturdy enough also chromed? the inner hood is mild steel plate, this will rust for sure and the hood is also chrome. The lantern seems sturdy and gives quite a good light. Will run a few tanks to see how it holds up, need to find a solution to the cleaing wire though Below are some pictures of the latern: Jaco
Hi Jaco A new jet will probably be needed. I have a sea anchor which did the same thing. You might be able to probe from the bottom of the jet to remove any possible foreign material with a toothpick. The sea anchor came with a spare jet and two needles.
Hi everyone. Having resolved the issue with the needle, have been running the lantern every night for about 4 hours at a time. Have used two founts and it is running well. The output is good and having the shield it casts a nice light. All in all I am pretty happy and will use it regularly. Jaco
Good job done then ! I always check the ceramic burner if it isn't loose before lighting. They sometimes tend to loosing itself.
Thanks Wim. I noticed it, have used some exhaust repair cement to make the threads a bit tighter. I must say that a lot of comments regarding these Chinese clones seem to indicate that they are no good. My experience with this one so far is quite good? I might consider buying another
I was also favorably impressed with the Dietz that I bought from the same supplier a few years ago. I think they represent very good value for money.
