The "central draft system" refers to the way the burner mechanism neatly coils the 2 1/2 inch wide wick into a tube in the center of the burner and draws air into the center and around the wick through the outer filigree.

The wide wick and the greater volume of air able to enter the burner through the filigree ensure the proper mixture of air and oil to burn cleanly, giving a virtually smoke-free light.

 

The smoke bell on the hanging oil lamp captures most of the heat rising from the lamp so there is little danger of whatever it is suspended from getting over-heated. NEVER touch the smoke bell while the lamp is burning! It will quickly become very hot once the lamp is lighted!

 

I recommend "Ultra Pure" brand lamp oil which is available at Wal-Mart and Miejers department stores. The purified parafin further insures clean, scent-free burning. Colored, scented oils do not generally burn as well. Kerosene can also be used but tends to have an unpleasant smell. NEVER use white gasoline or any fuel not specifically made for use in oil lamps due to the extreme risk of explosion!

 

Remove the globe and unscrew the brass burner mechanism from the collar. Keep the lamp filled up to the level of the handles to best saturate the wick.

 

If the wick must be continually turned up to maintain brightness, then the oil level is too low. The wick itself should not burn; the burning oil produces the light.

 

A large oil lamp will usually burn around 12 hours on a filling.

 

To light the lamp, gently raise the chimney (be careful,it should fit tightly). Light the wick and immediately turn it down as low as possible, then replace the chimney, being careful to get the chimney inside the burner prongs. Keep the wick turned down low for 5 minutes to allow the chimney to heat slowly and avoid cracking the chimney from thermal shock.

 

Replacement parts such as wicks, chimneys, burners, and chains are always available from me at shows or through the mail.

parts@elfstar2.com

Yes, you can enjoy you lamp outdoors but it's best to bring it inside when you're not using it. The burners are solid brass and the chains are brass-coated steel which have been sprayed with a protective laquer, but prolonged exposure to moisture will cause them to corrode.

 

Use glass cleaner or warm, soapy water to clean the globe and outside of the lamp. There is no need to clean the inside of the lamp after you empty it.

 

When you're not going to be using your lamp for a while, it's best to empty it of oil.  After a period of time oil may leach through the oil lamp forming a thin film on its surface.  This may discolor vulnerable materials beneath table oil lamps so I recommend the use of coasters with them.