Easy and Cheap Oil Lantern
by norbizzle12 in Outside > Camping
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Easy and Cheap Oil Lantern
If you like to go camping or relax outdoors you know that flash lights can be boring and candlelight can be fun (or even romantic *wink*)
I made this simple and easy to do instructable so that you can use it outdoors, while camping, in your house, for power failures, or even just for fun. Enjoy : )
The thing I like about this is that it isn't easily blown out and you can carry it around and even hang it
If you make this or your own version I would like to see your pictures in the comments thanks...
I made this simple and easy to do instructable so that you can use it outdoors, while camping, in your house, for power failures, or even just for fun. Enjoy : )
The thing I like about this is that it isn't easily blown out and you can carry it around and even hang it
If you make this or your own version I would like to see your pictures in the comments thanks...
What You Need
*A small baby food glass jar (Gerber)
*A Medium sized Aluminum can (I used an evaporated milk can) that is not open
*A coat hanger
*100% Cotton rag
*Olive Oil
*JB Weld
*Scissors and other cutting tools (dremel...pliers...)
Cut the Jar
Get your unopened can an mark a small window on the side of the can with a sharpie.You can change the size of the window based on how much light you want to shine through.
After it is marked cut a small hole with a hobby knife and pour out the insides. Then with your knife or even easier a Dremel, cut out the window.
On the flat bottom part of your can drill a hole in the center to allow your wick to pass through. It should be about 1/2 an inch in diameter.
After it is marked cut a small hole with a hobby knife and pour out the insides. Then with your knife or even easier a Dremel, cut out the window.
On the flat bottom part of your can drill a hole in the center to allow your wick to pass through. It should be about 1/2 an inch in diameter.
Add the Handle
On the top of your can drill 2 hole on either sides of the can. They should be about 1/8 of an inch big.
Grab your coat hanger and cut about a 9 inch piece of wire from it (or more depending on how you want it) with some cutters.
Bend the wire into a U making sure it is even. Then bend the tips of the wire facing each other (see picture)
Take the U you just made and push it slightly together so when you put it on the can you can snap it in without it falling off.
Grab your coat hanger and cut about a 9 inch piece of wire from it (or more depending on how you want it) with some cutters.
Bend the wire into a U making sure it is even. Then bend the tips of the wire facing each other (see picture)
Take the U you just made and push it slightly together so when you put it on the can you can snap it in without it falling off.
Prepare the Fuel Jar
Once the can is done set it aside and grab your small jar.
Empty or eat the contents and clean out the jar.
With a drill or cutting tool poke a hole in the center of the lid. it should be about 1/4" in diameter or allow the cotton wick to snugly fit.
Grab your cotton rag and cut about a 5 inch by 1/2 inch strip and thread it into the jar so about 1/2 to 1 inch hangs out from the lid and the rest stays in the jar
Then you can fill it with your choice of oil. I used olive oil because it works well and is easily available.
Glue Them Together
Mix up some JB weld (I used this because it is heat resistant but you can use other heat resistant glue) and spread it around the lid of your glass jar. Pass your wick through the hole you drilled on your metal can and wait 24 for it to fully dry (if your impatient like me find some other instructable to do in the mean time : )
Finishing
When the glue dries the wick should be soaked with with oil and ready to test.
Because the can has a plastic coating inside, when you first light it you will have to do this outside.
With a lighter light the wick and let it burn for about 10 to 15 minutes so the coating in the can can burn off, then it is ready for use.
This lantern should last you some good hours of burning time and to refill simply unscrew the fuel jar , refill, the screw back in.
Tip: after using the lantern don't touch the wick or it will crumble. If it does crumble just pull up some more wick.
The light is bright enough to easily read by and to light your way through a dark house.
Try out some different designs and have fun : )
P.S. Don't burn yourself : /
Because the can has a plastic coating inside, when you first light it you will have to do this outside.
With a lighter light the wick and let it burn for about 10 to 15 minutes so the coating in the can can burn off, then it is ready for use.
This lantern should last you some good hours of burning time and to refill simply unscrew the fuel jar , refill, the screw back in.
Tip: after using the lantern don't touch the wick or it will crumble. If it does crumble just pull up some more wick.
The light is bright enough to easily read by and to light your way through a dark house.
Try out some different designs and have fun : )
P.S. Don't burn yourself : /