Introduction: Make an Oil-burning Candle
I had extra cooking oil that was used to fry tortillas for enchiladas. I couldn't just let it go to waste, so I made this support for holding a cotton wick.
This can be used to make any oil holder into a nice candle. If you are careful with the oil level, the wick will be consumed very slowly.
Step 1: Assemble Parts
Use an all-cotton string for the candle wick. Synthetic fibers will not burn cleanly. I am using a kitchen string that is used to truss poultry and tie up roasts.
Any kind of wire can be used for the wick support, but I had a spool of copper wire on hand. A large paperclip may also work.
Step 2: Begin Winding Wire
Loosely wind the wire around the matchstick.
Step 3: Complete the Wick Holder
The coil should be made loose enough to slip off the matchstick. I use a fingernail to separate the turns of the wire slightly.
If the wire is packed closely, it will wick enough oil to burn along the entire copper sleeve.
Step 4: This Is the Finished Wick Holder
Adjust the spiral base to place the coil in the center, slightly suspended.
Step 5: Cut the Wick
The length is not really important. Just so it is longer than the wire coil.
Step 6: Fill a Container With Oil
Adjust the wick so only an eighth of an inch projects past the copper coil.
Step 7: Now Use Your Match
The oil may be a little difficult to light, compared to a wax candle.
Step 8: Using a Candlestick to Hold Oil
Step 9: The Wick Is Not Consumed
Unlike a wax candle, the wick of this oil candle is supplied with fuel as the oil level goes down. The flame remains constant until the last of the oil is burned.