Here's how to make a very simple little fat-burning lamp that is specially designed to be used with fuels that are solid at normal room temperatures, such as the leftover fats from cooking bacon, sausages, duck, lamb, etc.
The reason it is able to do this is that surrounding the wick, there are protrusions in the shape of petals - these capture some of the heat from the flame, which is then conducted down through the body of the lamp and dispersed through the feet, heating the fat reservoir and keeping it liquid and able to flow up the wick.
It's made by Lost Wax Casting using everyday materials - this method is quite easy and can be used to make a wide range of other small metal objects.
In brief, Lost Wax Casting consists of:
- Making a wax model of the object you want
- Encasing the wax model in something heatproof such as clay or plaster
- Melting out the wax
- Pouring molten metal into the space left by the wax
- Removing the mould material and tidying up the finished object
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Signing UpStep 1: Step1: Gather the necessary materials
OK, so we'll need some pliable wax. You might be able to make this yourself by melting candles and blending it with vegetable oil or vaseline, but the easy option is just to eat some cheese - the red wax protecting the rind of Edam cheese (and some other varieties) is perfect - pliable and malleable like modelling clay if warmed in the hand a little.
You'll need something to make the mould. I used decorating filler. Patching plaster or plaster of Paris will all work quite well. Potter's clay can be used instead, but must be pressed into place around the wax model, which isn't easy for delicate work.
You'll need some metal for casting. You can buy pewter or white casting metal in ingot form at good craft stores and online, but I just bought an old (but not antique) dented petwer tankard from a charity shop - it was really cheap.
And you'll need something to melt the metal in - an old food can is good - as wide and flat as you can find.
You'll need something to make the mould. I used decorating filler. Patching plaster or plaster of Paris will all work quite well. Potter's clay can be used instead, but must be pressed into place around the wax model, which isn't easy for delicate work.
You'll need some metal for casting. You can buy pewter or white casting metal in ingot form at good craft stores and online, but I just bought an old (but not antique) dented petwer tankard from a charity shop - it was really cheap.
And you'll need something to melt the metal in - an old food can is good - as wide and flat as you can find.
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Great job on the instructable, by the way!
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All the same, I was feeling adventurous, so I decided to make it harder for myself by making my own moulding wax out of paraffin and vaseline, as you suggested could be done. It was a disaster. The paraffin is naturally very crumbly, and the vaseline helped it stay together a bit, but it also made it droop and sag very badly. Any suggestions for a better "home-brew" wax?
Thanks!
I expect soot could be an issue with this lamp, but to be honest, it's more of an experiment in recycling, than an earnest offering in home lighting.
I can honestly say, being served breakfast in bed, by the light of a bacon candle or two, would be a GREAT way to start a romantic winter day.
And if breakfast was Bacon and eggs, you could use the very grease from breakfast, for the candles!
it sits at room temp, looking like lard, but quickly turns to liquid in your hand.
I also have no idea if it burns or not. I will just stick to bacon grease, since we have a tendency to make the most of that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diya_%28light%29
been working on gettting a mendel put together this looks like a good first project lol ill make an ible on it cool project man. btw how much heat can something like this put off.
While the pot metal should work for casting, I think the temps are a bit higher.
I really wish you were using something more substantial than a tin can with a crimped on bottom.
First, drill your wick holes in the center of each disc.
File the notches into the discs.
Use your fingers(or possibly pliers or a hammer even) to give them their dished shape.
Solder together.
If even soldering is beyond you at the moment, a piece of copper tubing, used as a hollow rivet, should serve admirably.
Take a disc of copper (copper penny anyone?).
Drill the wick hole.
Use a fine saw blade or dremel disc to cut 3 or 4 slits from the circumfrence to near the wick hole.
Bend away.
No solder. no rivets, and cost only a penny!
although I don't have a [roper scale reference in the pictures.
Penny may not be big enough, and may need to use a scrap piece of copper plate instead.
Take a picture of what you want to build to show them, and most will have some pieces and give the scraps to you.